Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) is from the mature fruit of Lycium barbarum L., family Solanaceae. The fruits are collected in the summer and autumn. They are left in the shade until the skin changes from smooth to rough texture. They are then left in the sun until the peel becomes dry and hard. They are used in an unprocessed form.
Category: Tonifying – Blood Tonifying.
Common Name: Lycium Fruit; Chinese Wolfberry.
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver and Kideny.
Properties and Functions: Gou Qi Zi is sweet in flavour and mild in nature. It enriches Liver and Kidney Yin, benefits the essence and brightens the eyes and moistens Lung Yin.
Indications: It is applied clinically for:
- Insufficiency of Liver and Kidney manifesting as soreness and weakness of the back, hips and knees, impotence, nocturnal emission, low-grade abdominal pain and wasting/thirsting disorder.
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision and reduced visual acuity.
- Consumptive cough and wasting/thirsting disorder due to Lung deficiency.
Dosage: 6 – 12g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Use with caution during pregnancy.