Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ (枸杞子) — Goji Berry / Wolfberry

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ (枸杞子) — Lycium barbarum / chinense — is known in English as Goji berry / Wolfberry. It belongs to the category of Yin tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin and Essence
2. Benefits Jing and brightens the eyes
3. Moistens the Lungs
4. Nourishes Blood and calms the spirit

Indications

1. Kidney and Liver deficiency with dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes and night blindness
2. Low back and knee ache from Kidney Yin deficiency
3. Diminished sexual function and premature ageing
4. Dry cough from Lung Yin deficiency
5. Wasting and thirsting disorder (diabetes-equivalent pattern)
6. Male fertility — nourishes Jing and Essence to improve sperm quality and reduce DNA fragmentation
7. Female fertility — nourishes Kidney Yin and Liver Blood to support egg quality and follicular development

4. Key formulas containing Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ

Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
• Zuo Gui Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) is among the most intensively studied Chinese medicinal foods. Key bioactive constituents include Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), betaine, zeaxanthin, lutein and betaine. LBPs have documented immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-ageing effects. Research confirms that goji berry polysaccharides protect sperm DNA from oxidative damage, improve sperm count and motility, and reduce reactive oxygen species in seminal plasma — directly relevant to sperm DNA fragmentation. Zeaxanthin and lutein are potent antioxidants concentrated in the retina, supporting eye health. LBPs have also been shown to protect against diabetic complications and to support immune function in ageing populations.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with Spleen deficiency and Damp obstruction (diarrhoea, loose stools, bloating), as the sweet, moist nature may aggravate these conditions. Generally very well tolerated and widely consumed as a food.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Sperm DNA fragmentation, Low AMH level, Fertility. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.