Gou Qi Zi
Lycium barbarum
Synonyms: Lycium vulgare var. barbarum, Jasminoides flaccidum
โฏ TCM Properties
Nourishes and tonifies Liver and Kidney Blood and Yin; Benefits Jing and brightens the eyes; Nourishes Yin and moistens the Lungs
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Lycium barbarum is a deciduous shrub reaching 1-3 m tall, with arching, sometimes spiny branches. Leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, 2-8 cm long, fleshy, and alternate or in clusters. Small, tubular, lilac-purple flowers are borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is a bright red to orange-red elliptic berry (wolfberry/goji) 1-2 cm long containing multiple flat, yellow seeds. The berries are sweet and slightly sour when fresh, and are widely dried for food and medicine.
Hillsides, roadsides, hedgerows, river banks, and cultivated fields; native to northwestern China (Ningxia, Qinghai), widely cultivated throughout China, Central Asia, and increasingly worldwide.
Lycium barbarum is widely cultivated commercially, particularly in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Wild populations exist in northwestern China and are stable. Extensive cultivation has removed pressure on wild populations. No conservation concerns.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zhe Bei Mu (Zhejiang fritillary bulb) is a cold, bitter herb that clears Heat and transforms Phlegm-Heat โ making it the preferred fritillary for acute, excess-type conditions. It is used for cough with yellow, thick phlegm from Lung Heat, and for softening and dispersing nodules, swellings, and thyroid enlargements from Phlegm-Heat accumulation. Unlike the more nourishing Chuan Bei Mu, Zhe Bei Mu has a more potent Heat-clearing and Phlegm-dissolving action suited to robust constitutions.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.