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Chinese Herbs: Goji Berry

Goji Berries, Gift of the Sage of Agriculture

In Chinese mythology, there are many wise old men and women. These great people are often revered as deities, and legends tell of ascensions to godhood for the wise and good. The first of China's sage kings, Shen Nong, whose name literally means "God of Agriculture", was one such revered figure. It was his tireless work in learning the properties of plants and their effects on the human body that earned him this honorific title. He tested them on himself, and documented the powers of hundreds of Chinese herbs. The medicinal plant that is often attributed to him is the goji berry.

The goji berry gets its name from the simplified reading of its Chinese name guoqizi. Also commonly known by the names mede berry, matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, Murali (in India), red medlar, and most commonly by "wolfberry", it is one of the oldest plants in the figurative medicine cabinet of Chinese herbs. Goji berries are actually from two distinct but very closely related species of plant, the Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. L. barbarum is called Ningxia gouqi in Mandarin. These two species belong to the same family as potatoes, tomatoes, deadly nightshade, peppers, eggplants, and tobacco.

Goji plants are woody perennial plants that shed their leaves in autumn. This Chinese herb grows from around 3 to 10 feet (1-3 meters) tall, and has light purple flowers. The flowers have five petals that form a ring at their base, like morning glories. These flowers eventually form the red berries. The young leaves are eaten as leaf vegetables.

Goji berries are small and red, and are not usually found fresh outside of the regions where they are produced. The fruits are usually dried to preserve them. They are used in cuisine and are added during the cooking process. They are added to rice congee for color and flavor, and to tonic soups made with other medicinal herbs in addition to meat and vegetables.

The goji berry Chinese herb contains a surprising amount of nutritional value. It contains 11 essential and 22 trace minerals, 18 amino acids, 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides, 6 essential vitamins, phytosterols, 5 unsaturated fatty acids (including omega-6 acids), carotenoids, and various antioxidants. Some examples of these are calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These berries are no doubt nutritious.

The berries are also used in medicine along with the leaves and root bark of the goji plant. Kidney, liver, eye, and skin problems are treated with goji berries in one form or another. In fact, goji tea made from the leaves and berries is said to clear up acne. Goji berry is a superfruit, with many beneficial effects attached to it. This Chinese herb is claimed to be effective against general ailments like tuberculosis, insomnia, and diabetes, as well as emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. It has also traditionally been used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to improve the immune system. The bark from the roots is also used to treat cough, fevers, , nosebleeds, and irritability. Like the berries, it is also used to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.

The Goji berry Chinese herb is a real boon to mankind, a gift from the Sage of Agriculture for all to benefit from.