Presentation of the goji berry
The goji berry (枸杞 子) is a fruit of Asian origin that grows on a shrub that can reach up to three meters in height. This shrub is called the Chinese lyciet (Fructus lycii chinensis Where Lycium barbarum L.). The flowering of this plant takes place between the months of June and September. Its berries ripen between September and October. In order to produce goji berries with sufficiently high nutrients, it is necessary that the wolfberry is at least four years old.
The goji berry is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, but also culinary since it is involved in the preparation of many recipes. In China, this berry is nicknamed the “fruit of the smile”, but also the “fruit of eternal youth”, because of its multiple virtues. In the West, the goji berry was discovered in the 1970s.
Goji berry: what are its benefits?
Goji berries are known to have many health benefits. Indeed, this berry is extremely rich in minerals and trace elements, so it has therapeutic virtues.
Goji berries first of all contain a large amount of vitamin C. They would thus help to fight against temporary fatigue. This explains in particular why athletes consume it: this fruit helps to easily recover energy during physical exertion. Moreover, the vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and thus fight against diseases, especially as the goji berry increases the activity of macrophages, the number of T cells and the amount of red and white blood cells.
The goji berry is also rich in beta carotene : this anti-oxidant helps protect the skin from UV rays. These berries contain more of it than carrots.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the goji berry is one of the remedies of choice to nourish the yīn and jīng of the kidneys in order to promote human vitality and fertility by stimulating spermatogenesis. It is thus useful for the emptying of the kidneys and is therefore indicated in cases of sexual disorders (spermatorrhea, impotence, oligospermia and asthenospermia), lower back pain, pain (or weakness) in the knees, dizziness and dizziness, bleaching of hair, visual disturbances and finally chronic coughs. These are the traditional functions of the goji berry in Chinese medicine.
More recently, the wolfberry fruit has shown its ability to regulate liver functions in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
This berry is also famous for its detox properties. Its consumption helps to detoxify the body. Finally, it has antioxidant properties that would have an anti-aging effect.
Use of goji berry
The goji berry is available in dried, juice or powdered form. Berries can be used in many recipes or eaten as they are. In dried form, the goji berry can be stored very easily and for a long time, provided it is kept in a dry place, away from heat and light. Here are some ideas for consuming dried goji berry:
- to snack in dried form at any time of the day
- in breakfast cereals, porridge or yogurt;
- in smoothies;
- as a garnish in salads.
It is also possible to soak the goji berries in hot water in order to rehydrate them before consuming them. They can also be prepared as a decoction by boiling 15 g of berries in 400 ml of water for a quarter of an hour (reuse the same berries to make a second infusion to drink during the day).
In juice, the goji berry is usually mixed with other fruits. If you prepare your own juices, you can incorporate it in powder form in fruit and vegetable juice to get the most out of its vitamins.
During a treatment, it is advisable to consume 10 to 20 g of dried goji berries daily for 30 days.
To benefit from its action on male fertility, chew 15 g of berries every evening for several months (but you must limit your sexual activity during the treatment).
Goji berries are also found in capsule form, typically at 600 mg. It can be taken as a cure to combat chronic or temporary fatigue.
Finally, in powder form and mixed with a little sesame oil or olive oil, goji berry is very effective in treating burns.
Goji berry contraindications
The goji berry is not recommended for pregnant women, as this berry could stimulate contractions of the uterus (even if only massive consumption can be a problem). During pregnancy and breastfeeding, therefore, avoid taking it. Likewise, during menstruation, it is better to avoid the consumption of this berry, because it could accentuate menstrual pain.
Goji berry can also cause allergies in some people (extremely rare). This berry belongs to the nightshade family, just like tomatoes and peppers, and therefore presents risks of allergies.
From the point of view of TCM, goji berries are to be avoided in case of diarrhea (emptiness of the spleen), difficulty in withstanding the heat (intense thirst, red complexion …) and respiratory infection in winter (you can consume it again once the infection has resolved).
