Description
Black Goji Berry, known as Hei Gou Qi (黑枸杞) in Chinese, is a natural anti-aging treasure, and revered for its exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants and its potent nourishing properties, particularly for the Yin and Blood. Scientific consumption can help you radiate youthful vitality from the inside out!
Neutral in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the kidney and liver meridians.
Its use is characterized by gentle, warm infusion to preserve its delicate, cooling, and nourishing properties, making it a prized herb in modern TCM for anti-aging and rejuvenation.
A unique characteristic of black goji is its rich anthocyanin content.
Health Benefits
Antioxidant & Anti-Aging (rich in anthocyanins), delays cellular aging, nourishes the kidneys and essence, nourishes the Yin, clears body heat, produces body fluids and quenches thirst, nourishes the liver, alleviates eye problems such as dryness, grittiness, and eye strain, improves vision health, improves dull skin, promotes radiance skin, tonify blood, calms the spirits, improves sleep quality, beneficial for deep nourishment and cooling dryness, lowers blood sugar & protects blood vessels.
Health Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
1.Nourishes Yin and Tonifies the Kidneys :
· This is a primary function. It is an excellent herb for replenishing the body’s foundational Yin fluids, which are often depleted by stress, overwork, and aging.
· It helps with symptoms of Yin Deficiency such as night sweats, thirst, dry eyes, and low-grade fever.
2.Nourishes the Liver and Improves Vision :
· Like red goji, it benefits the Liver, which “opens into the eyes.” Its high antioxidant content (particularly anthocyanins) is seen in TCM as a powerful way to clear vision and treat blurry vision, dry eyes, and eye fatigue, especially when related to Liver Blood or Yin deficiency.
3.Tonifies the Blood and Calms the Spirit :
· It is considered a strong blood tonic. By nourishing Blood, it helps calm the mind and spirit (Shen), making it useful for insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety that stem from Blood deficiency.
4.Clears Deficiency Heat :
· Through its potent Yin-nourishing action, it helps to clear the “deficiency heat” that arises when Yin is too weak to control Yang. This manifests as the “Five-Palm Heat” (heat in the palms, soles, and chest), night sweats, and irritability.
Health Benefits in Modern Science Perspective
Black Goji Berry is renowned as the “King of Anthocyanins” and is a rare nourishing treasure. Its main health benefits include :
1. Antioxidant & Anti-Aging
· Black Goji Berry is rich in anthocyanins, with a content more than 10 times that of blueberries. It effectively scavenges free radicals and delays cellular aging.
· It has significant effects on improving dull skin and reducing wrinkles.
2. Protects Eyesight
· Anthocyanins can promote the regeneration of rhodopsin in retinal cells, helping to prevent severe myopia (nearsightedness).
· It alleviates common modern eye problems such as dryness, grittiness, and eye strain.
3. Enhances Immunity
· Black Goji Berry polysaccharides and anthocyanins work synergistically to enhance macrophage activity.
· It improves the body’s disease resistance and helps prevent common illnesses like colds.
4. Improves Sleep
· Anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier, protecting brain nerves from oxidation.
· It stabilizes brain tissue function and improves symptoms like insomnia, vivid dreams, and neurasthenia.
5. Lowers Blood Sugar & Protects Blood Vessels
· It helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance.
· It enhances blood vessel elasticity and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases like arteriosclerosis.
Nutritional Value :
Per 100 grams of Black Goji Berry contains :
· Anthocyanins: 3000-4000mg
· Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides: ≥8%
· Vitamin C: 50mg
· Amino Acids: 19 types, including 8 essential amino acids
· Trace Elements: Rich in Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Selenium
A unique characteristic of black goji is its rich anthocyanin content.
· Visual Indicator of Potency : When steeped in in warm (not boiling) water, it releases a stunning deep blue or purple colour. This is a visual sign of its active constituents.
· Preparation Caution : To preserve these delicate antioxidants and its Yin-nourishing properties, it should never be boiled. It is best steeped in warm water (under 60°C / 140°F) or added to smoothies.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Premature Aging : Used for its strong antioxidant and Jing-nourishing properties.
· Chronic Dryness : Dry eyes, dry skin, and dry cough.
· Insomnia and Anxiety related to Yin/Blood deficiency.
· Poor Vision and eye strain.
· Diabetes Management : Its Yin-nourishing action helps with the classic symptom of thirst, and modern research is interested in its blood sugar benefits.
Precautions
· Excess Conditions : it’s best to avoid during an acute illness, especially one with fever, flu, cold, sore throat, inflammation.
· Diarrhoea : Its moistening nature could potentially worsen this condition.
· Pregnancy : It is not recommended to use during pregnancy without the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
· Tea / Decoction : Add a small handful (10-20 berries) to warm (not boiling) water (under 60°C / 140°F) to avoid destroying anthocyanins, and steep until the colour is released. Can be re-steeped several times. The berries can and should be eaten after brewing to avoid wasting nutrients.
· Added to Smoothies and Yogurt: A great way to incorporate it into your diet.
· Black Goji Berry in Water Alone : Use warm water below 60°C to avoid destroying anthocyanins.
· Black Goji Berry & Honey Water : Moistens intestines, relieves constipation, and beautifies the skin.
· Black Goji Berry & Chrysanthemum Tea : Clears the liver and improves eyesight, suitable for those who overuse their eyes.
· Black Goji Berry & Yogurt : Enhances absorption and doubles the nutritional benefits.
✓ Avoid brewing with green tea or other teas, as it can affect absorption.
Differences : Black Goji vs. Red Goji Berry
Black Goji Berry
· Core Components : Very High in Anthocyanins (purple/blue pigment), Polysaccharides
· Modern Use : Highly prized for anti-aging and cellular protection.
· Water Colour When Soaked : Blue/Purple (affected by pH)
· Taste : Slightly Sweet with an Astringent note
· Primary Functions : Nourishes Yin, Antioxidant, Eye Protection, Radiation Protection
· Key Indication : Yin Deficiency with Heat signs (night sweats, dryness).
· TCM Energetics : Considered to enter the deeper Yin level.
· Modern Use : Highly prized for anti-aging and cellular protection.
· Black Goji is your go-to for deep nourishment and cooling dryness.
Red Goji Berry
· Core Components : Carotenoids, Polysaccharides (orange/red pigment).
· Modern Use : Prized for energy, immunity, and eye health.
· Water Colour When Soaked : Pale Yellow
· Taste : Sweet
· Primary Functions : Nourishes Liver & Kidneys, Improves Eyesight, Boosts Immunity
· Key Indication : Jing (Essence) and Qi deficiency (fatigue, low back pain).
· TCM Energetics : Considered a balanced Qi and Blood tonic.
· Red Goji is better for boosting overall energy and vitality.
