Lycium berries (Goji berries) are renowned for their significant effects in nourishing the kidneys and enhancing essence. With their mild medicinal properties, they have been highly praised by renowned physicians throughout history as a potent remedy for strengthening the body and promoting longevity. Lycium berries can be used both as a traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate ailments and as a food that can be consumed year-round. Although they may not be as highly valued as ginseng, deer antler, or cordyceps, they are considered an excellent tonic for the general population.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, Lycium berries are sweet and neutral in nature, belonging to the liver and kidney meridians. They are known to tonify the kidneys, nourish the liver, improve vision, enrich the blood, calm the spirit, and promote fluid production to quench thirst. They are commonly used to treat deficiencies of the liver and kidney, as well as insufficient essence and blood. However, the method of consumption varies depending on the specific condition and constitution of the individual.
For symptoms such as fatigue, soreness in the lower back and legs, weakness in the knees, dizziness, and tinnitus caused by kidney yin deficiency, the simplest method is to steep Lycium berries in water. Take 20–30 grams of Lycium berries, steep them in boiling water, cover, and let it sit for 10–20 minutes before drinking. After steeping two or three times, consume the berries. Chewing the berries directly is more effective for nutrient absorption. The renowned physician Zhang Xichun, at the age of 50, would chew 30 grams of Lycium berries every night before bed. For individuals with a heat-prone constitution, it is recommended to take 15–40 berries in the morning and evening, with noticeable effects after 1–3 months of consistent use. Those with a cold-prone constitution should avoid consuming them raw but can steam them for 30–40 minutes and eat them as a snack.
In elderly individuals, kidney yin deficiency often manifests as blurred vision and tearing when exposed to wind. Lycium berry congee can be beneficial in such cases. To prepare, cook 150 grams of japonica rice with water to make congee, and add 30 grams of Lycium berries just before it is fully cooked. For men, kidney yin deficiency may present as impotence, infertility, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, lower back pain, and incomplete urination. Regular consumption of Lycium berry congee or steeping the berries in water can help. For women, kidney yin deficiency may manifest as irregular menstruation, sallow complexion, and insomnia. Regular consumption of Lycium berries can help strengthen the body, nourish essence, and replenish marrow. Women may also benefit from consuming Lycium berry and white fungus soup. To prepare, simmer 25 grams of Lycium berries and 15 grams of white fungus in water to make a concentrated broth, add 20 grams of honey, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Consume warm, once every other day.
For individuals with kidney yang deficiency, symptoms such as listlessness, cold limbs, pain in the lower back and knees, and nocturnal emissions may occur. In such cases, Lycium berries soaked in alcohol are recommended. Take 200 grams of Lycium berries and 1 kilogram of white liquor, wash and dry the berries, then soak them in the liquor. Seal the container and let it sit for 14 days before consuming. Drink 10 milliliters twice daily. Additionally, Lycium berry and lamb kidney congee can help warm and tonify kidney yang. To prepare, cook Lycium berries, lamb kidney, scallion whites, and schisandra berries together to make congee.