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Mai Men Dong (麥門冬), the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus, moistens the Lung, nourishes Stomach yin and fluids, clears Heart heat and relieves irritability, and gently moistens the Intestines.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Ophiopogon japonicus (Radix Ophiopogonis)
Common English Name
Ophiopogon tuber
Taste
Sweet, slightly bitter
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart, Stomach
Actions & Functions
- Moistens the Lung and nourishes Lung yin
- Nourishes Stomach yin and generates fluids
- Clears the Heart and relieves irritability
- Moistens the Intestines
Indications
Dry cough and Lung yin deficiency; Stomach yin deficiency with dry mouth and constipation; and irritability and insomnia from Heart heat.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Ren Shen and Wu Wei Zi (Sheng Mai San) for qi and yin deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cough or diarrhoea from cold-damp or Spleen deficiency.
