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Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) in Chinese Medicine & Its Usage in Acupuncture Clinic

Are you familiar with these little red berries? They have become more popular in the last few years as a ‘superfood’. You may have seen them sprinkled on top of oatmeal bowls, smoothies or in granola bars. Chinese culture has regarded them as powerful tonics for a long time. They are also called wolfberries or lycii berries. Discover their wonderful benefits below!

Goji Berry Benefits

Known as Gou Qi Zi in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used commonly by the Acupuncture Doctors & TCM Practitioners. These little red berries are picked when ripe and dried until wrinkles appear. They have a lightly sweet flavor. In Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Goji berries have been used to tonify deficiencies of yin, yang, blood and qi. They have a heavy and moist nature which can moisten dry lungs easing dry coughs. They can replenish qi and blood, brighten eyesight, detoxify the body, regulate the urinary and reproductive systems. Goji berries have an affinity for the kidneys, liver and lungs. They can support early aging, aching back/knees, impotence, diabetes, dizziness, blurry vision and shortness of breath. Goji berries can support balanced emotions and show antioxidant effects contributing to boosted immunity. They are generally safe for consumption in moderation.

From a western perspective, they contain high amounts of antioxidants and can be used preventatively for free radical damage to DNA, lipids and proteins. They are known to have anti-aging effects along with anti-cancer, antioxidant properties and support overall immunity.

How to incorporate more goji berries?

They are a lovely addition to your morning fruit or grain bowls! Throw 3-6 in a cup and pour boiling water over for a light cup of tea. They can be a fun addition to soups, salads and stir frys for a pop of color and nutrition! They are great on their own or in a trail mix. One of my favorite ways is to incorporate them into my granola bar and bliss ball recipes!

Goji Berry Bliss Balls

  • 1 cup medjool dates, packed
  • ⅓ cup cashews
  • ⅓ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup goji berries
  • ¼ cup cacao nibs
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

In a food processor, quickly blitz the cashews and walnuts until broke into small pieces. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until a dough is formed. Roll them into tablespoon sized balls. Freeze for about 4 hours and enjoy! I keep mine in the freezer to make them last longer and also, so they stay solid if I pack them for lunch.

Talk to one of our Acupuncture and TCM Practitioners at CITCM Acupuncture Clinic in Calgary to find out more how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help improve your health overall!

Call us at (403) 520 – 5258 or book online here!

 

References
Goji Berry. Me and Qi. [cited May 19, 2022]
https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/goji-berry
Goji. Five Seasons TCM. September 29, 2021. [cited May 19, 2022]
https://fiveseasonstcm.com/blogs/hl-culinary-herbs/goji
Goji Berries as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Their Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Zheng Feei Ma and others. January 9, 2019. [cited May 19, 2022]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343173/