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Goji Berry

구기자 (枸杞子) · Lycium chinense Mill.

Yin tonic Neutral (classically recorded as cold) Sweet Liver, Kidney, Lung

NatureNeutral (classically recorded as cold)

TasteSweet

MeridiansLiver, Kidney, Lung

Part usedRipe fruit

FamilySolanaceae

CategoryYin tonic

Find by concern: Eye strain Dizziness Fatigue Thirst

Overview

Goji berry is the classic tonic for the liver and kidney in East Asian tradition, long associated with nourishing the essence, brightening the eyes, and graceful aging. In Korea, Cheongyang county is famous for its gugija, brewed as a daily tea. Its gentle nature made it a favorite for long-term nourishment rather than acute treatment.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒味苦無毒補內傷大勞噓吸堅筋骨强陰

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste bitter, and it is non-toxic. It restores internal injury from great exhaustion and labored breathing, firms the sinews and bones, and strengthens the yin.

This entry is a draft: the classical quotation is pending verification against the Korean Medicine Classics Database.

Traditional functions

Nourishes liver and kidney yin
Replenishes essence, brightens the eyes
Moistens the lung
Supports strength of sinews and bones

Traditional applications

Blurry vision and tired eyes
Dizziness and lower-back weakness
Chronic fatigue from overwork
Dry cough in depleted constitutions

Traditional preparation

Decoction 6–12g; widely drunk as tea, soaked in wine, or eaten as dried fruit.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally used cautiously with loose stools from digestive weakness and during acute fevers. May interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Are Korean gugija and Chinese goji the same plant?

They are close relatives used interchangeably in tradition: Korean gugija is typically Lycium chinense, while much Chinese goji is Lycium barbarum. Both appear in classical materia medica.

Why is goji associated with eyesight?

Classical theory holds that the liver opens into the eyes, so an herb that nourishes liver yin and essence was naturally credited with brightening vision — a use recorded across centuries of materia medica.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 검증 예정 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.