Ophiopogon tuber - 麦门冬 (Mai Men Dong)
Ophiopogon Root
麦门冬
Mai Men Dong·Tubercule d’Ophiopogon
Ophiopogonis Radix
- Traced and verified origin
- Dispatched within 24/48h, packed to order
- Kept away from light and moisture
According to the classical texts
养阴润肺 益胃生津 清心除烦
Pinyin
Yang Yin Run Fei · Yi Wei Sheng Jin · Qing Xin Chu Fan
Overview
The fleshy tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus, a perennial of damp undergrowth that forms tufts of grass-like foliage.
Harvested in spring or in autumn in Sichuan and Zhejiang, the small spindle-shaped tubers are cleaned, their fibrous heart removed (Qu Xin — the taking out of the central thread, which is said to “heat the Fire Phase”), then dried.
They come as slightly translucent yellowish-white grains, with tender, juicy flesh. A sweet savour with a fine bitter edge.
Traditional uses
The reference herb for enriching the of and engendering the fluids in inner dryness.
Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient , when Dryness reaches Metal, or when an empty heat stirs the Spirit (Shen) at nightfall.
Also to clear the Fire Phase and quiet a heated Spirit.
Preparation and traditional-use quantity
- Decoction: 6 to 12 g, simmer for 25 minutes
- Sheng Mai San: “the decoction that engenders the pulse”, a classic blend with Ren Shen and Wu Wei Zi for constitutions of deficient Qi and Yin with dryness
- Bai He Gu Jin Tang: with Bai He and other moistening herbs, for the Metal Phase gone dry
- Moistening infusion: 5 to 10 g in a large cup of water at a simmer, 15 minutes
Precautions
To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold, of loose stools from excess Dampness, or of an acute attack on the surface not yet resolved.
A herb that lends itself to regular use rather than to a single serving.
