Goji

Lycium barbarum

Goji has been used for thousands of years, in traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine for its health and longevity-sustaining properties.*

HERBAL BENEFITS

Common Name Lycium, lycii, goji, wolfberry, 枸杞子 (gǒuqǐzǐ), gǒuqǐ, クコシ (kukoshi), 구기자 (kugija), འདྲི་ཚིར་མ། (dretsherma), 宁夏枸杞 (níngxiàgǒuqǐ; specific to L. barbarum)

Family Name Solanaceae

Parts Used Berry

Herbal Actions Hepaprotective, immune stimulant, longevity tonic

Health Benefits Detox, Energy, Heart Health, Immunity, Performance, Respiratory

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TCM superfood and “enhancer of life.”

Bright, orange-red goji berries have been used for centuries across Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a nutritive tonic for the liver, kidneys, eyes, and lungs.* Energetically, this herb is considered to be a yin toner that’s sweet in taste and neutral in application. It’s a fundamental herb in TCM and is commonly used to enhance the quality and length of life.

Containing carotenoids and flavonoids, this fruit is also an antioxidant with the ability to boost overall health by supporting the body’s defense systems.* Appropriately named a “superfood,” this tart and semi-sweet fruit contain vitamins A and C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. This is likely why it’s traditionally consumed beyond herbal formulas, and infused into everyday Chinese recipes like soups, stews, porridges (a.k.a. congee), juices, wines, and liqueurs.

While sometimes called “lycium” due to its Latin name, its common name in Chinese is gou qi zi or “wolfberry.” Gou translates to dog or wolf, and some say it gained this name because of farmers witnessing the animals eating the berries. Li Shizhen, a famous Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist of the 1500s, recorded that it may be from a Taoist text where it says a 1,000-year-old goji took on the shape of a dog, so it was named gou.

The four-thousand-year-old oracle bone script is currently the earliest known systematic form of Chinese writing , and some say “gouqizi” was included, while others remain unsure if this is in reference to the plant or a name of something else. It was also recorded in a formula taken by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (259 BC–210 BCE). It was historically used by at least a dozen of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups and is still one of the most popular herbs and medicinal foods today.

Products that contain Goji

Tea, berries, and herbs lay elegantly on a wooden table alongside a box of

EveryDay Detox® Hibiscus & Schisandra Berry Tea

Supports Healthy Kidney and Liver Function*

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The information and other content in this article are designed to provide a general overview of the botany, cultural history, and traditional uses of this herb. It is not intended and should not be construed as health advice. Every person is unique and you should consult with your health care provider before using any herbal product or supplement.

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Products that contain Goji

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