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More Information:
Other
Common Names
Ophiopogon
Page
Number In Radiant Health
215
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Radix Ophiopononis
Pinyin
Mai Men Dong
Treasures
Yin
Treasure
Rating
****1/2
Atmospheric
Energy
Cold
Taste
Sweet and bitter
Organ
Meridian Systems
Lung, Heart and Stomach
Part
Used and Form
Tuberous root
Primary
Functions
Provide cooling Yin to the Heart, Lungs and Stomach, to
promote production of body fluids, to clear heat in the
heart and relieve irritability, to relieve dry cough,
dry mouth and tongue, and to moisten the bowels
Qualities
This herb is very similar in its actions to wild
Asparagus root, a close relative. It is primarily used
as a Yin tonic, and especially as a Yin tonic to the
heart and lung. It is excellent for moistening any
dryness in the body. Being a cold herb, it can cool down
hot symptoms and relieve Yin deficiency conditions such
as Yin-deficiency insomnia and irritability, especially
when blended with herbs such as fresh Rehmannia,
Asparagus root and Coptis.
It is a great herb for people who experience hot, dry
lungs. Smokers and people exposed to smoke, smog, desert
heat and dust will benefit from a daily dose of this
herb. Singers and public speakers will find that
Ophiopogon moistens the throat and vocal cords,
improving vocal quality. It helps relieve sticky sputum
For dry throat and lungs, Ophiopogon can be combined
with herbs such as Fritillaria, Asparagus root, Glehnia
and fresh Rehmannia.
When blended with Dong Gui and Cistanche, Ophiopogon is
very useful for relieving dry-type constipation.
The Taoists perceived an even deeper level of purpose
for consuming the this herb. They considered Ophiopogon
a major Shen tonic herb. Like Asparagus root, it was
considered extremely valuable for mastering one's own
heart. It is found in a wide number of Taoist formulas.
By cooling down the heat in the heart it helps to steady
the emotions and control the mind. Combine with major
Shen developing tonics such as wild Ginseng, Ganoderma,
and Asparagus root, etc.
Ophiopogon root is an ingredient in an extremely popular
tonic preparation called Formula for Restoring Pulse
Beating, which consists of relatively equal parts of
Panax Ginseng, Ophiopogon root and Schizandra fruit.
This formula is famous for quickly rebuilding energy in
those that have experienced trauma or surgery and for
those recovering from illness.
Primary
Combinations
Combine with:
1. Glehnia root, Asparagus root, Raw Rehmannia to tonify
Lung yin
2. Glehnia root, Asparagus root, Raw Rehmannia and
Fritillary bulb to treat dry cough due to Lung yin
deficiency
3. Raw Rehmannia, Zizyphus seed and Coptis to treat
irritability and insomnia due to pathogenic heat
entering the heart
Varieties
and Grading
Most Ophiopogon available in America is of similar
quality. But fresher Ophiopogon, which is gummier and
more pliable is better than stiff, hard, dry tubers.
Contraindications
Use moderately in cases of cold, deficient Spleen
resulting in diarrhea.
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This
herb, which is very similar both biologically and in its
actions to wild Asparagus root, is primarily used as a
Yin tonic, and especially as a Heart and Lung tonic. It
is excellent for moistening any dryness in the body. It
is considered to be a cold herb, and is said by the
Taoists to be a major Shen tonic herb.