Goji berries (gou qi zi)
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1. Overview
Goji berries — gou qi zi in Chinese, also called wolfberries — are the bright red fruit of Lycium barbarum, used for over 2,000 years as one of the most important Chinese tonic foods and herbs. They tonify Liver and Kidney yin, build blood, and brighten the eyes. Goji is sweet, neutral and remarkably nourishing without being heavy, which is why a small handful daily is a tradition in many Chinese households.
2. TCM properties
- Thermal nature: Neutral
- Flavour: Sweet
- Channels entered: Liver, Kidney, Lung
- Actions: Tonify Liver and Kidney yin; nourish blood; brighten the eyes; moisten the Lungs
3. Therapeutic uses
- Tired, dry, blurred eyes; floaters; macular issues
- Lower back and knee weakness from Kidney deficiency
- Dizziness and tinnitus from Liver-Kidney yin deficiency
- Postnatal recovery and blood-deficient women
- Premature greying of hair, dry skin
- Daily preventive tonic in older adults
- Fertility support: ovarian and sperm quality (research-supported)
4. How to use
- Eat raw, 1–2 tbsp daily as a snack
- Add to congee, soup or tea in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking
- Steep 1 tbsp in hot water with chrysanthemum for daily eye-tonic tea
- Mix into yoghurt, oats or salad
- Daily dose: 10–15g (about 1–2 tbsp)
5. Cautions
Avoid in active diarrhoea or strong damp patterns. Goji has mild blood-thinning effects — discuss with your doctor if you take warfarin. Generally exceptionally safe and well tolerated.
