Goji berries are native to the Himalayan region where they have been used by the yogis and monks to improve the physical stamina and deepen their meditation. Traditional Chinese medicine also put a lot of emphasis on Goji Berry and include it as an important herb in its material medica.
Goji Berry is a fruit that belongs to the nightshade family like Ashvagandha. Its taste or rasa is sweat and its therapeutic action is on three important organs- Lung, kidney and Liver. Its recommended dosage is 10-30 gm per day.
Pharmacologically, it enhances cellular and humoral immunity. It promotes the production of RBC and WBC. It raises blood cAMP and testosterone levels. It inhibits DNA synthesis of cancer cells. It also has synergistic effect with cyclophosphamide that can help reducing the dosage of radio/chemotherapy. Goji berries also has strong anti-hepatotoxic effects as betaine protects the liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride and decreases lipid deposition in the Liver. It lowers blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance. It also lowers cholesterol.
Traditionally, it is used as a tonic for the elderly with the symptoms of tiredness, reduced memory, vision and hearing. It is also used as blood tonifier for the blood deficient patient. Another important usage has been to improve the texture of the skin and to cure many skin related diseases.
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