Witnessed by: TCM
Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), of the Asparagaceae family. Tufted evergreen grass-like perennial of shaded woodland floors; native range: China, Japan and Korea. Globally recognized as mai men dong (麥門冬) in Chinese, and dwarf lilyturf, mondo grass in English. The part used is root tuber. Pale spindle-shaped tubers, soft and slightly translucent, with a sweetish mucilaginous flesh.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
OPHIOPOGON
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- ophiopogon
- Scientific name
- Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl.
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Form
- Part used
- root tuber
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter (slightly)
Temperature
- TCM
- cold (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Heart · Lung · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- nourishes Yin, moistens the Lung, clears Heart heat and eases irritability, generates fluids in the Stomach
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in Spleen deficiency with damp, loose stools, or cough from wind-cold
- Toxicity
- regarded as safe and food-grade
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