Goji berries are neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the liver and kidney meridians. They have the effects of nourishing yin and enriching blood, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and benefiting essence and improving vision. They are often used to treat symptoms such as soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and spermatorrhea caused by liver and kidney deficiency and insufficient essence and blood. They are particularly effective for symptoms like blurred vision and reduced eyesight caused by insufficient liver and kidney and essence and blood failing to nourish the eyes. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that goji berries contain components such as carotene, betaine, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and calcium, phosphorus, iron. They have the effects of enhancing white blood cell activity, inhibiting fat deposition in liver cells, and promoting liver cell regeneration. They have significant therapeutic effects on chronic hepatitis, central retinitis, optic atrophy, and can also lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids.
Because goji berries have significant effects and a mild nature, they have been praised by famous physicians of past dynasties as a good medicine for strengthening the body and delaying aging. For example, the great Southern Song Dynasty poet Lu You experienced blurred vision in his old age and was cured by drinking a cup of goji berry soup every day. In modern times, physician Zhang Xichun, at the age of 50, insisted on chewing about 30 grams of goji berries before bed every night to treat symptoms such as vexation in the heart and a constant desire to drink water. In his later years, he strongly advocated the method of chewing dried goji berries to prevent illness and prolong life. For single-ingredient goji berry health care, the most common methods are chewing them dry and soaking them in water.
Soaking in water is the simplest method of consumption besides chewing dry. When soaking in water, note that goji berries should not be taken with green tea. You can drink tea in the morning, discard the tea leaves in the afternoon, take 20-30 grams of goji berries, brew with boiling water, cover and steep for 20-30 minutes, then eat the softened goji berries and drink the water. It is advisable to persist for a long time.
In addition, using goji berries to make tea, stew soups, soak in wine, or cook congee also has certain health benefits.
Goji Berry Tea:
3 grams of black tea, 20 grams of goji berries, brewed with boiling water, covered and steeped for 10-15 minutes. Drink frequently at any time. Alternatively, take 20 goji berries and 5 dried chrysanthemum flowers, brew with boiling water, and drink frequently as a substitute for tea.
Goji Berry Soup:
Drinking goji berry and tremella soup can nourish the liver. The specific method is: 10 grams of tremella, 30 grams each of goji berries and rock sugar. Soak the tremella in water until soft, remove the root, tear it into pieces, and wash it clean. Soak the goji berries in water for 3 minutes, wash them clean, and place them in a pot with the tremella and rock sugar. Add an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the tremella is tender.
Goji Berry, Red Date, and Black Chicken Soup
Goji Berry Wine:
100 grams of goji berries, 500 ml of wine. Add the goji berries to the wine, seal and soak for 7 days. Drink 20-30 ml each time, twice a day. It has the effects of nourishing the liver, improving vision, and nourishing yin to strengthen the kidneys.
Goji Berry Congee:
20 grams of goji berries, 100 grams of japonica rice, 40 grams of sugar. Place the goji berries and japonica rice in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer. When the rice is cooked and the soup is thick, add sugar to taste, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Serve as a side dish. It has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and benefiting essence to improve vision.
Tremella, Goji Berry, and Pear Soup
It should be noted that goji berries have a tonic effect and can significantly warm the body, so people with a cold, abdominal bloating, or diarrhea should avoid them. At the same time, goji berries have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, so they are not suitable for people with hypersexuality. Additionally, goji berries are high in sugar, containing 19.3 grams per 100 grams, so diabetics should use them with caution and avoid excessive consumption.
When selecting goji berries, it is best to choose products that are red in color with a slight luster, large and fleshy, with a white fruit stalk mark on one end, and a sweet and fresh taste.
Goji berries are prone to oxidation, moisture absorption, discoloration, and insect infestation. Therefore, they must be stored sealed, dry, in a cool, ventilated place.