Ophiopogon Root Maidong: A Treasured TCM Herb for Nourishing Yin and Relieving Coughs

Ophiopogon Root, commonly known as Maidong or dwarf lilyturf, is a cherished herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prized for nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, calming the heart, and relieving coughs.

First documented in Shennong’s Herbal Classic as a top-grade herb, it was noted for treating Qi stagnation, abdominal discomfort, and shortness of breath. The Compendium of Materia Medica further praised its ability to moisten the lungs, clear mental restlessness, and strengthen Yin. With a history spanning thousands of years, Ophiopogon japonicus remains a cornerstone of TCM for its gentle, nourishing effects.

Maidong, Ophiopogon Japonicus

Plant Characteristics of Ophiopogon Root

Maidong, Ophiopogon Japonicus, a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family, features short, spindle-shaped rhizomes with fine, hair-like roots. Its dark green, soft, linear leaves grow 10–30 cm long and 2–4 mm wide.

In summer, it produces small, white, racemose flowers, followed by blue-black berries. Thriving in warm, humid environments, it is commonly found on hillsides, forest edges, and roadsides.

Varieties of Ophiopogon japonicus differ by region, with slight variations in appearance and texture but consistent medicinal properties:

• Hangzhou Ophiopogon: Grown in Zhejiang, it boasts large, white, soft rhizomes with superior moisturizing qualities, earning the title “King of Ophiopogon.”

• Sichuan Ophiopogon: From Sichuan, it has smaller, yellowish, harder rhizomes with notable medicinal effects.

• Hunan Ophiopogon: Produced in Hunan, it features medium-sized, grayish-white, soft rhizomes with strong moisturizing properties.

• Guizhou Ophiopogon: From Guizhou, it has smaller, dark yellow, harder rhizomes but retains significant therapeutic benefits.

Despite these differences, all varieties share core components that support Yin nourishment and lung health.

麥冬中有芯

Therapeutic Effects

Ophiopogon japonicus is valued for its versatile effects in TCM, addressing conditions caused by Yin deficiency and dryness. Its main indications include:

• Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat: Relieves dry mouth, sore throat, and thirst.

• Heart-Related Restlessness: Calms palpitations, insomnia, and anxiety.

• Dry Cough: Moistens the lungs to ease dry coughs with minimal phlegm.

• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Soothes stomach pain and bloating due to Qi stagnation.

• Physical Weakness: Strengthens Yin to combat fatigue, shortness of breath, and emaciation.

Its mild, nourishing nature makes it ideal for long-term use, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

Maidong, Ophiopogon Japonicus

Dietary Therapy with Ophiopogon Root

Beyond medicinal use, Ophiopogon japonicus is a popular ingredient in dietary recipes that nourish Yin and support health. Here are three simple recipes:

• Ophiopogon Tea: Steep 10 grams of Ophiopogon in boiling water for 10 minutes. This soothing drink relieves dry mouth and insomnia, perfect for daily use.

• Ophiopogon Porridge: Cook 10 grams of Ophiopogon with 50 grams of rice and water until soft. Ideal for breakfast or dinner, it moistens the lungs and eases dry coughs.

• Ophiopogon Stewed Pear: Stew 10 grams of Ophiopogon with a peeled, chopped pear and rock sugar for 2 hours. This dessert, best for autumn and winter, hydrates the lungs and calms coughs.

These recipes offer delicious ways to incorporate Ophiopogon’s benefits into daily life.

Maidong, Ophiopogon Japonicus

Modern Applications

Ophiopogon japonicus has expanded beyond TCM into modern health and beauty products:

• Health Supplements: Found in teas and oral liquids, it nourishes Yin, supports lung health, and promotes relaxation.

• Chinese Patent Medicines: Used in granules and tablets to treat Yin deficiency, insomnia, and dry coughs.

• Cosmetics: Incorporated into masks and essences, it hydrates skin and enhances radiance, suitable for all skin types.

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Its versatility and gentle effects make it a staple in wellness and skincare industries, delivering nourishing benefits for both internal and external health.

Precautions for Use

While Ophiopogon japonicus is generally safe, consider the following:

• Dosage Control: Overuse may cause diarrhea or bloating. Follow a doctor’s or product’s dosage instructions (typically 10–15 grams daily).

• Contraindications: Its cold nature makes it unsuitable for those with weak spleen and stomach function or excessive cold-dampness, as it may worsen symptoms.

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from sunlight and heat, to preserve efficacy.

Chinese Name	麥冬
Chinese Pinyin	Maidong
English Name	Dwarf Lilyturf Root Tuber
Latin Pharmaceutical Name	Ophiopogonis Radix
Category	Roots and rhizomes
Origin	The dried tuberous root of Ophiopogon japonicas (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl.(Liliaceae)
Production Regions	Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Zhejiang.
Macroscopic Features	Zhe mai dong: tuberous fusiform, 1.5~3.5cm long, middle diameter is 3~7mm. Externally earth-yellow or yellowish-white, with relatively deep irregular thin longitudinal wrinkles, sometimes one end has thin and small exposed stele. Pliable texture, fractured surface is off-white, center has thin and small round stele which can be pulled out when fresh. faintly aromatic odor, slightly sweet and astringent, sticky when chewed. Chuan mai dong: tuberous root is relatively small, externally milky-white. Slightly hard texture, faintly odor, tasteless, not sticky when chewed.
Quality Requirements	Superior medicinal material is full, thin skin, glucose-like, thin woody heart, pale yellowish-white inner and outer, without oily.
Properties	Sweet, slightly bitter; cool
Functions	Nourishes yin, engenders fluid, moistens lung, stops cough, clear heart, eliminates vexation. Apply to damage of body fluid due to heat disease, vexation, thirst, dry throat due to lung heat, cough, and tuberculosis.