Ingredient Name: Creeping Liriope Root Tuber, Ophiopogon japonicus tuber, fountain plant root, monkey grass root

Traditional Chinese Name: 麥冬 (mài dōng)

What is this?
  • The dried root of the orphiopogon japonicus plant (which is a native plant to Japan)
  • The dried tubers are slightly translucent in color and beige when processed and often 1.5-3 cm in length with varying thicknesses
  • They are usually extracted in the summer, cleaned and dried
  • A known and common Chinese herb (medicine) that is considered cool, sweet and slightly bitter in taste
  • Excellent for removing heatiness from the body and targets the heart, spleen, stomach and lungs
  • Can be used in porridge, soups, medicinal drinks, and creams

How do I prepare it?

  • Rinse in warm water before usage to ensure all dirt and soil is removed

Where can I buy this?

  • Most herbal shops will carry this
  • Wet marts in Hong Kong will also sometimes carry this

What is the cost?

  • Relatively affordable

Any benefits?

  • Excellent for reducing heatiness in the body and clearing toxins
  • Ideal for soup and drink compositions that remove fire from the body
  • Great for healing the throat and lungs and provides benefits to these bodily functions (ie: sore throats, coughing)
  • Nourishes the Yin
  • Helps remove excess phlegm
  • Assists with constipation

Any precautions?

  • As it is mild cooling, pregnant women in their first trimester should take caution as cooling ingredients can cause contractions
  • Has a distinct pungent smell

Any additional information?

  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Good for use up to 6 months

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