Goji

Lycium barbarum

Goji has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its health and longevity-sustaining properties.

HERBAL BENEFITS

Common Name Lycium, lycii, goji, wolfberry, 枸杞子 (gǒuqǐzǐ), gǒuqǐ, クコシ (kukoshi), 구기자 (kugija), འདྲི་ཚིར་མ། (dretsherma), 宁夏枸杞 (níngxiàgǒuqǐ; specific to L. barbarum)

Family Name Solanaceae

Parts Used Fruit

Herbal Actions Hepatic, immune tonic, nutritive tonic, cardio tonic

Health Benefits Detox, Immunity, Energy, Heart Health, Respiratory

More Goji info

TCM superfood and “enhancer of life.”

What are the Benefits of Goji? Bright, orange-red goji berries have been used for centuries across Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a nutritive tonics for the liver, kidneys, eyes, and lungs. Energetically, this herb is considered to be a yin toner that’s sweet in taste and neutral in application. It’s a fundamental herb in TCM and is commonly used to support quality of life and healthy aging.

Containing carotenoids and flavonoids, this fruit is also an antioxidant with the ability to maintain overall health. Appropriately named a “superfood,” this tart and semi-sweet fruit contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. This is likely why it’s traditionally consumed beyond herbal formulas, and infused into everyday Chinese recipes like soups, stews, porridges (a.k.a. congee), juices, wines, and liqueurs.

Often simply referred to by its Latin name, Lycium, its common name in Chinese is gou qi zi or “wolfberry.” Gou translates to dog or wolf, and some say it gained this name because of farmers witnessing the animals eating the berries. Li Shizhen, a famous Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist of the 1500s, recorded that it may be from a Taoist text where it says a 1,000-year-old goji took on the shape of a dog, so it was named gou.

The four-thousand-year-old oracle bone script is currently the earliest known systematic form of Chinese writing, and some say “gouqizi” was included, while others remain unsure if this is in reference to the plant or a name of something else. It was also recorded in a formula taken by the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (259 BC–210 BCE). It was historically used by at least a dozen of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups and is still one of the most popular herbs and healing foods today.

Not only do these small fruits look like ripe cherry tomatoes, but they’re also related. Goji and tomatoes are both members of the Solanaceae family - sometimes called the nightshade family - along with potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. This woody, vining shrubs generally grow between three to ten feet tall, though they can reach nearly 12 feet in their native habitats. While these berries do well in most of the U.S.—in Hardiness Zones 2-7—they’re native to China, where they’re grown in abundance for the herbal marketplace.

Goji grows best in highly fertile soil that’s well drained. It thrives with plenty of sunshine and will begin to fruit two years from seeding and bear full yield in four to five years. Generally, fruit comes in the mid-summer and is best picked by hand, to avoid bruising.

Products that contain Goji

EveryDay Detox® Hibiscus & Schisandra Berry Tea

Supports Healthy Kidney and Liver Function*

Learn More

Additional Information

Important Precautions

Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Legal Disclaimer

The information and other content in this article are designed to provide a general overview of the botany, cultural history, and traditional uses of this herb. It is not intended and should not be construed as health advice. Every person is unique and you should consult with your health care provider before using any herbal product or supplement.

Become an Herb Nerd & Get 10% Off!

Herbal tidbits, DIY plant projects, exclusive discounts, and recipes to follow the seasons delivered straight to your inbox.

More Goji info

Products that contain Goji

EveryDay Detox® Hibiscus & Schisandra Berry Tea

Additional Information

Become an Herb Nerd & Get 10% Off!

Join our communi-tea

My Cart

You May Also Like

Throat Coat® Lemon Ginger Echinacea Lozenges