Lycium (Goji) Berry Benefits

One of the most popular herbs in the world, Lycium berries (or more commonly known as Goji berries) exploded in popularity a few years ago as one of the world's best superfoods, and rightfully so. This humble berry has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and was first mentioned in books written in the 1st century CE.

So why is this berry such a superstar? Let's take a look at it's benefits;

• Longevity - Regular consumption of Lycium berry is said to bring longevity to the body, mind and spirit and a Chinese herbalist who was said to live to 252 years attributed regular consumption to his long life. It's longevity benefits come from its protective effects on the immune system, liver, brain and cardio-vascular functions.
• Improves vision - As a primary tonic in TCM for poor eyesight, Lycium berries are rich in beta-carotene (in fact they are the world's richest source!) which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight, especially night vision. Lycium also contains zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, which supports eyesight and nourishes the retina (Goji also contains the highest amount of zeaxanthin in any food) and these two compounds help protect against age-related degeneration. Traditionally, Lycium is combined with Chrysanthemum to produce a potent, vision protecting tea. 
• Weight loss - this berry has actually been tested as an antiobesity drug and several studies showed significant weight loss with regular consumption
• Sexual tonic - Lycium berries are widely consumed to help enhance fertility, increase sexual fluids and libido.
• Immune system modulator - Lycium berries contain polysaccharides which are excellent immune modulating constituents (and anti-cancer). The berries support immune function by countering the reduction of white blood cells (from the ageing process) whilst also preventing viruses and bacteria from attaching to cell membranes, particularly in the liver. In fact, a study was performed with twenty elderly people who were given Lycium extract once per day for three weeks. After the study period it was shown that more than two-thirds of participants' T-cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of their white cell interleukin-2 doubled! 
• Blood, Brain & General tonic - Lycium is a great blood tonic, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and is useful for tinnitus and dizziness. It is also a good tonic for the brain, demonstrating neuroprotective activity helping to prevent some degenerative diseases like Alzheimers. The berry promotes general well-bring, reduces general fatigue and weakness and helps the body alleviate stress 
• Nutritional Supplement - Goji berry has some fantastic nutritional content including significant vitamin B1 and B2 levels, eighteen kinds of amino acids (eight of which are indispensable to the human body!), zinc, copper, iron, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus and flavonoids just to name a few!
• Happiness - it is said that handful of berries per day will make you happy for the entire day and eventually, after prolonged use, you won't be able to stop smiling! They have been used for depression and lethargy in clinical settings so bring an extra spring to your step!

So as you can see, Lycium berries are a great herb to add to your daily arsenal of supplements to support your diet. You can eat them raw or dried, make a decoction from the berries or take a decoction or tincture from the dried roots. No matter how you take it, Lycium is most definitely a superstar in the herbal world!

Precautions - Whilst Lycium shows no toxicity, do not use if you have a fever due to an infection, if you are pregnant or on prescription medication for blood pressure (such as Warfarin)

Botanical name - Lycium chinense. L. barbarum (Solanaceae)

Habitat - Grows throughout China and Tibet

Parts used - The berry and root (the root is used for fevers, coughs and wheezing)

Taken as - Berries can be eaten raw or dried, as an extract powder or as a decoction. Root is taken as a decoction or tincture