Goji Berry / Wolfberry

The red berries of Lycium barbarum, grown mainly on the high plateaux of Ningxia (the most prized) and of Xinjiang.

Harvested at full maturity (small elongated berries of a brilliant orange-red), they are carefully dried to preserve their soft texture and their sweet, faintly tart savour.

A universally known plant-food, present in everyday cookery, in sustaining broths and in everyday infusions.

A mild and approachable material of the Yin, Blood and Essence supplementing register, which the tradition has long tied to the clarity of the gaze.

Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient Yin and Blood, when they no longer feed and dryness gains ground. The longevity herb above all others.

• Infusion for pleasure: 1 tablespoon in a cup, hot water (85°C), 5 to 10 minutes, a classic pairing with Ju Hua for the eyes
• Everyday cooking: added to rice, congee, soups, salads and yoghurts (no cooking needed)
• Ji Ju Di Huang Wan: a classic blend of the Wood and Water Yin, attached to the eyes
• To nibble: a handful a day, as a snack of the supplementing register

To be used in moderation in cases of settled heat from deficient Yin or where the work of transformation is much weakened.

A few berries a day are enough.