LYCIUM (gou qi zi)
Lycium is a major Chinese tonic herb, first mentioned in the Divine Husbandman's Classic (Shen'nong Bencaojing), written in the 1st century AD. Traditionally lycium is believed to promote long life -a Chinese herbalist said to have lived for 252 years ascribed his longevity to tonic herbs, including lycium. Today both the berries and the root have a wide range of medicinal uses. PARTS USED Berries and root. USES Blood tonic - In China, lycium berries are taken as a blood tonic. They improve the circulation and absorption of nutrients by the cells and help with many symptoms, including dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, and wasting conditions. Liver & eye tonic - The berries are a liver and kidney tonic. In Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with the eyes, and lycium berries are considered excellent for failing eyesight.Cooling properties - Lycium root is used in China to "cool the blood," helping to reduce fever, sweating, irritability, and thirst. These cooling qualities also help to stop nosebleeds, reduce vomiting of blood, and soothe coughs and wheezing, whenever they are due to "patterns of excess heat." Blood pressure - As a result of recent research, lycium root is beginning to be used in China to treat people suffering from high blood pressure.
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