Red ginseng goji berries

Red ginseng goji berries

　　The “Five Treasures” are proud specialties of the people of Ningxia. They embody the pioneering spirit of generations over the centuries, formed through favorable timing, geographical advantages, and the diligence of the people. Monastery medicinal trees grow by cold wells, where fragrant springs and mystical trees coexist. Emerald leaves shade the rocks, while crimson fruits ripen, reflecting in bronze vases. Lush branches resemble the staffs of immortals, and aged roots take on the shape of auspicious wood. The superior variety possesses a taste like sweet dew, and it is said that even a spoonful can prolong life. This is a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi. Lush green leaves and bright red fruits, branches full and roots aged, with a sweet flavor and life-extending properties—these lines summarize the color, shape, taste, and function of goji berries. The *Book of Songs · Minor Odes* also contains the verse “Climbing that northern hill, I gather the goji.” The *Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica* was the first to list goji as an herbal medicine, indicating its long cultivation history. The Ming Dynasty’s Li Shizhen, in *Compendium of Materia Medica*, recorded: “In spring, goji leaves are harvested and called ‘Heavenly Essence Herb’; in summer, its flowers are picked and named ‘Longevity Herb’; in autumn, the fruits are gathered and called ‘goji berries’; in winter, the roots are collected and called ‘Lycium Root Bark.’” It is said that if these four are combined into a pill and taken regularly by the elderly, one could “live to a hundred years old, walk as swiftly as the wind, turn white hair black, regrow lost teeth, and enjoy strong vitality.” The “nourishing and therapeutic” effects of goji have been proven through thousands of years of clinical practice. As the ancient pharmacological text *Collected Commentaries on Materia Medica* states: “Goji can invigorate qi, nourish blood, boost yang, promote yin, reduce internal heat, dispel rheumatism, and has ten perfect uses.” Goji contains various nutrients such as betaine, carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin C, hydrochloric acid, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Its primary functions include clearing the liver, moistening the lungs, nourishing kidneys, benefiting qi, enriching essence, supporting yang, treating deficiencies, strengthening muscles and bones, dispelling wind, and improving vision. There are many traditional prescriptions featuring goji or combining it with other herbs, such as “Qi Yuan Paste,” “Qi Ju Di Huang Pills,” and “Tortoise-Deer Three Immortals Gel.” These time-honored formulas serve either as tonics for the weak and deficient, remedies for liver and kidney nourishment and yang enhancement, or nutritional supplements for longevity. (Guyuan)