Lycii
(Lycium barbarum)
Lycii berry, otherwise known to Chinese herbalists as Chinese Wolfberry is a bright red, almost chewy berry with a taste very similar to Raisins. It has been used as a general nutrient tonic (Yin tonic) for many years and Chinese medicine refers to it as a "cooling tonic".
Constituents
Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, Beta-carotene,
Niacin, Pyridoxine, and Ascorbic acid
Parts Used
Whole berries.
Typical preparations
Whole berries can be eaten raw,
as they have a pleasant taste. Or they can be included in food or
prepared as a tea.
Summary
Not much research has been carried out for
this particular botanical and to date there have not been any
released notes on possible medicinal contraindications, side effects
or potential health hazards (except for those pregnant or nursing).
One particular warning that has been issued comes from many
traditional Chinese herbalists who suggest that Lycii should never
be taken for acute colds or flu, because it will have the tendency
to bring a sickness deeper.
It was once said by one of our
favorite published herbalists that "Wolfberry can make the young
wolf out of the old man", because for many years Lycii has been
administered for erection problems.
In one recent study, results
showed that men over 59 who took 2 ounces of Lycii berry each day
walked away from a 10 day study having significantly higher levels
of testosterone. In addition to its seemingly successful use of
erection problems, Lycii is also widely used as a general health
tonic, capable of removing harmful toxins from the body.
Precautions
Lycii berries contains betaine, which is
an emmenagogue and abortifacient. Avoid using when pregnant or
nursing. Chinese herbalists suggest to abstain using it during times
of cold and flu.
