Health benefits of goji berries (aslso called Gouqi, Wolfberry,, Chinese wolfberry)

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http://www.pingminghealth.com/article/791/health-benefits-of-goji-berries/

Health benefits of goji berries (aslso called Gouqi, Wolfberry,, Chinese wolfberry)

In current times, the goji berry are not only popular in China but are now becoming extremely popular in Western countries. Goji berries are not only available from a Chinese market but can also be bought from your local health shop or supermarket.

I still remember the stories I’d heard about goji berries told by the lecturer in my herbal medicine class at university 30 years ago. He said that in ancient times there lived a very healthy old man. When people asked him why he was so healthy, he replied “I eat like other people, except for the fact that I often eat goji berries, as I have a goji tree in my backyard.” Later on, Chinese physicians discovered the benefits of Goji berries for our health.

In the traditional Chinese medicine herbal book, the goji berry is a very important herb. Chinese doctors often use this herb in the Chinese medicine formula to balance and strengthen the body. Goji berries are not only extremely beneficial for the health and preventing disease, but they are small, sweet, delicious to eat and not as expensive as other nutritional supplements. This is why they are one of the most popular medicinal herbs and have been used for thousands of years.

1. Health effect of goji berries

i) Strengthening the kidneys to increase body energy: Chinese medicine considers the kidney’s to be important organs in the body. They are located at the lower back and store the bodies original essence (energy) from their parents, from this they support other organs Qi and function.

If one has weakened kidneys, especially the middle and old age, they may suffer the following symptoms: aching lower back, weak/painful knees, legs, ankle and heels, lethargy, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), early onset of grey hair, early menopause, lowered libido, impotence, poor memory and frequent urination day and night. During your treatment, eating 1 tbsp of goji berries everyday or second day.

An ancient traditional Chinese book Ben Jing states that “goji berries taste sweet and the characteristics are neutral”, so they are good health foods to balance the body and prevent disease.

ii) Beneficially to eyes: Goji berries are sweet and have a neutral characteristic. They act mainly on the liver and the kidney. Traditional Chinese herbal books suggests they strengthen the blood and yin (body fluids). Chinese medicine considers that the liver stores the blood and shares a channel with the eyes and therefore sends blood to the eyes to support eye function. If the liver is unhealthy, the following symptoms may be present: dry eyes, blurry vision, weak eyes. To prevent these conditions occurring and assist treatment, you can eat goji berries.

iii) Strengthening and smoothing the joints: Regular eating of goji berries can help to reduce, prevent conditions associated with joints such as: tightness/stiffness in joint, joint pain, and weak knees. Goji berries can also increase the flexibility of the joints. Goji berries are also beneficial in assisting treatment on arthritis, osteoporosis and broken bones.

iv) Other health effects of goji berries: According to the five elements theory, goji berries can also aid the digestive system, nervous system, circulation, reproduction and urinary system. In Chinese diet therapy text book it mentions that “Modern medical science has discovered benefits of goji berries help reduce blood sugar and can aid regeneration of liver cells and reduce cholesterol in the liver”.

2. How to eat goji berries

i) Goji berries can be eaten both fresh and cooked, but if cooked I recommend a very short cooking time. One or two minutes should suffice.

ii) For general health, eat two or three teaspoons three times a week, unless your TCM practitioner suggests otherwise. You can eat this with your porridge, salad and even in your stir fry.

3. Precautions

i) The traditional Chinese medicine herbal book suggests avoiding goji berries if you have a cold, flu, high temperature, infection or diarrhea.

ii) Children under 18 do not need to take goji berries regularly unless under the advice from a TCM practitioner.

iii) If you are still unsure if you should eat goji berries, please ask your experienced TCM practitioner.