Goji Berries (Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum
枸杞子
Pinyin: Gǒu Qǐ Zi
Plant Family
Solanaceae
Part Used
Fruit (berry)
Origin
Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang provinces of China, Tibet
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Goji berries are the small, red-orange berries of the Lycium barbarum shrub, which grows in the Yellow River valley of northern China. They have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years as a liver and kidney yin tonic and longevity food. The best goji berries come from Zhongning County in Ningxia, where the mineral-rich soil from the Yellow River produces especially nutritious berries. Goji berries were introduced to the West as a "superfood" in the early 2000s.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
neutral
Flavors (五味)
sweet
Meridians (归经)
liver, kidney, lung
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies liver and kidney yin
- Benefits the eyes (brightens vision)
- Enriches jing (essence) and blood
- Moistens the lungs (dry cough)
- Promotes longevity and anti-aging
- Strengthens tendons and bones
- Used for dizziness and tinnitus from yin deficiency
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Goji berries can be eaten raw as a snack, added to trail mixes, steeped as tea, blended into smoothies, added to soups and congees, or made into juice or wine. In Chinese cooking, they are frequently added to soups and desserts both for flavor and health benefits.
Suggested Dosage
Eating: 10-30g daily as snack or in food. Tea: 5-15g steeped in hot water. Juice: 30-120ml daily. Extract: standardized to LBP content.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Late summer to early autumn (August-October). Berries are gently shaken onto mats and dried in the shade to preserve color and nutrients.
Quality Indicators
Deep red to orange-red color, plump oblong shape, sweet slightly bitter aftertaste. Avoid brightly colored berries that may have been dyed. Premium grade is "eight treasures" size - 8 berries per gram. Zhongning County, Ningxia is the most famous origin. Sulfite-free is preferred.
Storage
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place or refrigerator. Can also be frozen for long-term storage. Shelf life: 1-2 years at room temperature, 2-3 years refrigerated.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Diabetes (naturally sweet - monitor blood sugar)Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (mild blood-thinning effect)Low blood pressure (may further lower BP)Those with diarrhea due to spleen cold (in large amounts)Pregnancy and breastfeeding: generally safe in food amounts, but avoid supplements
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe - can be consumed daily as food
- Mild digestive upset (in large amounts)
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
- Sun sensitivity (in extremely rare cases)
Drug Interactions
- Diabetes medications (may enhance blood sugar lowering)
- Blood pressure medications (may lower blood pressure)
- Warfarin (very weak interaction - monitor INR)
- Generally very minimal drug interactions at food doses
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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