As widely known, goji berries possess potent health-enhancing properties. Not only do they nourish the liver and improve eyesight, but they also replenish yin and tonify the kidneys. However, many overlook their remarkable ability to invigorate both yin and yang.
Goji berry functions: Tonifies the kidneys and nourishes essence; nourishes the liver and improves vision; replenishes blood and calms the spirit; generates fluids and quenches thirst; moistens the lungs and stops coughing.
Indications: Liver and kidney deficiency; dizziness and vertigo; declining vision; soreness in the lower back and knees; nocturnal emissions and excessive thirst; consumptive cough.
Li Shizhen, in his Compendium of Materia Medica, described goji berries as follows: "Long-term use strengthens tendons and bones, lightens the body against aging, enhances tolerance to cold and heat, replenishes deficient essence and qi, nourishes the complexion, whitens the skin, brightens the eyes, calms the spirit, and promotes longevity."
Every part of the goji plant is valuable and can be used medicinally.Leaves are harvested in spring, flowers in summer, fruits in autumn, and roots in winter—each part possessing distinct medicinal properties. Today, however, we focus primarily on the fruit.
The opening statement about goji berries in Compendium of Materia Medica declares: "Long-term use strengthens tendons and bones." What are tendons?In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what governs the tendons? The liver governs the tendons, correct? What governs the bones? The kidneys govern the bones, correct? The most direct meaning of "long-term use strengthens tendons and bones" is that prolonged consumption significantly enhances liver and kidney function. Particularly in TCM, the penis is referred to as the "Zongjin" (the main tendon). Therefore, the health of liver function plays a crucial role in penile erection.
Clinical evidence confirms goji berries stimulate sexual function. Thus, married adult men frequently traveling for work or on extended trips—especially when separated from their spouses for long periods—may experience heightened libido and sexual arousal from consuming goji berries. Without an outlet for this arousal, sexual issues can arise. Hence the ancient admonition: "Avoid goji berries when miles from home."Of course, this primarily applies to men. While this is an ancient saying, never mistake goji berries for Viagra. The key difference is that goji berries act like natural fertilizer—slow to take effect but offering sustained, harmless benefits—while Viagra works in the opposite manner.■Key Considerations for Consuming Goji Berries
Regarding Goji Berry Safety: A professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine informed us that after reviewing over 180 academic papers on goji berries published in the past 15 years, only three mentioned potential side effects—essentially negligible.The professor states that almost everyone, including lactating women and children, can safely consume goji berries with absolute benefits and no harm. He recommends a daily intake not exceeding 20 grams. Regarding goji berry quality: While many herbs are superior when wild-harvested, goji berries are an exception—cultivated varieties are better than wild ones.The best goji berries are large, plump, and have a sweet-tart flavor. Among Chinese varieties, those from Ningxia are considered the finest. Regarding goji berry usage: Goji berries can be consumed year-round. They can be incorporated like ordinary food into tea, porridge, soups, or dishes for regular consumption without causing greasiness or internal heat.Professor Zhang believes goji berries can be eaten raw, steeped in water or wine, added to soups, or cooked into porridge. However, consuming them raw yields the best results with zero waste.