Herbal Information on Ophiopogons Tuber in Extract Powder Form
What is Mai Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Mai Dong, also known as Ophiopogon Root or Mai Men Dong (麦门冬), is a significant herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its scientific name is Ophiopogon japonicus, and it belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The herb is primarily known for its sweet and slightly bitter taste and its cooling properties.
Key Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Ophiopogon japonicus
- Common Names: Ophiopogon Root, Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber
- Chinese Name: 麦门冬 (Mài Mén Dōng)
- Properties: Sweet, slightly bitter, and cool
- Channels Entered: Heart, Lung, Stomach
Therapeutic Functions of Mai Dong
1. Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness:
- Mai Dong is commonly used to treat conditions associated with yin deficiency, which can manifest as dryness in the body. It is especially effective for symptoms like dry cough, dry throat, and dry skin.
- It helps to restore moisture and balance the body’s internal fluids, making it useful for patients who experience excessive dryness due to various internal and external factors.
2. Clears Heat and Generates Fluids:
- The herb is known for its ability to clear heat, particularly from the lungs and stomach, and to generate fluids. This makes it beneficial for treating conditions like thirst, dry mouth, and irritability caused by heat and fluid deficiency.
- It is also effective in managing fever and heat-induced irritability by replenishing the body's fluids.
3. Lubricates the Lungs and Alleviates Cough:
- Mai Dong is used to lubricate the lungs, making it a common remedy for dry coughs, especially those that are accompanied by scanty, sticky sputum.
- It helps to moisten the lung tissues, reducing irritation and cough severity.
Common Uses in Formulas
Mai Dong is frequently included in various TCM herbal formulas to enhance their efficacy. Some of the common formulas containing Mai Dong are:
- Er Dong Tang (Two-Winter Decoction): Used for nourishing the lungs and relieving dry cough.
- Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction): Helps to replenish stomach and lung fluids and treat dryness and irritability.
- Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal): Addresses lung and kidney yin deficiency, which causes cough with blood-tinged sputum and dry throat.
Modern Applications
In modern herbal medicine, Mai Dong is also valued for its potential benefits in:
- Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests that Mai Dong might help in improving heart function and managing conditions like arrhythmias.
- Antioxidant Properties: It contains compounds that have antioxidant effects, potentially offering protective benefits against oxidative stress and related conditions.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The herb’s components may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like chronic bronchitis and gastrointestinal disorders.
Common Name: Ophiopogons Tuber
Botanical Name: Ophiopogonis Japonicum Tuber
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Pin Yin Name: Mai Men Dong (Lush Winter Wheat)
Other Names: Mai Dong
Package Size: 100 grams (3.5 oz.)
Form: Single Herb Granulated Granules
Dosage:Take 2 g each time, 1 to 2 times. per day, or as instructed by a herbal practitioner. Dissolve in hot water or mix into yogurt.
Origin: China
Brand: ActiveHerb
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Mai Dong should be used with caution in individuals who have a cold or weak digestive system, as its cooling properties can exacerbate these conditions.
Naturally Occurring Components: ruscogenin, diosgenin, bormeol, homoisoflavonoids, ruscogenin-1-O-sulfate, calcium bomyl sulfate, aglucone of mai dong, 28 inorganic elements, steroidal glucosides
Summary on Mai Men Dong
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries
- Nourishes the stomach, lung, and heart yin
- Calms the hearts
- Promotes tranquilization
- Contains antibacterial properties
- Benefits the immune system
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
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- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.Manufacture's Statement: They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
alternativehealing.org
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9599291/
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/MaiMenDong.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7476719/
