Ophiopogon Root (Mai Dong)
麦冬 · Màidōng
Ophiopogon japonicus
Family: Asparagaceae · Part used: Root tuber · Origin: Cixi, Zhejiang, China
Nature
Cool
Flavor
Sweet, slightly bitter
Meridian
Heart, Lung, Stomach
Mai Dong is the everyday yin tonic of Chinese households — small translucent tubers that nourish stomach fluids, moisten the lung, and quiet a racing heart. Zhejiang's Cixi county supplies the canonical grade. It anchors Sheng Mai San, the summer formula for sweat and exhaustion.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Nourishes yin and moistens the lung
- •Benefits stomach yin and generates fluids
- •Clears heart heat and calms irritability
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Dry cough and dry throat
- •Thirst and dry mouth
- •Palpitations and insomnia from yin deficiency
- •Afternoon fever
- •Constipation from fluid dryness
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–12 g in decoction or steeped as tea with american ginseng for a cooling summer drink.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Sheng Mai San
Ophiopogon 10 g + ginseng 6 g + schisandra 3 g — the classical qi-yin-restoring summer tonic.
Mai Dong American Ginseng Tea
Ophiopogon 6 g + american ginseng 3 g, steeped 15 minutes — the traveler's anti-dryness tea.
🔬 Modern Research
Ophiopogonin D and homoisoflavonoids are studied for cardiovascular protection, glycemic control, and anti-inflammatory effects.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with cold-deficiency coughs, damp-phlegm, and early-stage exterior invasions.
