tonifying
Asparagus Root (Tian Men Dong)
天冬 · Tiānméndōng
Asparagus cochinchinensis
性味
Cold
味
Sweet, bitter
Meridian
Lung, Kidney
Tian Men Dong — 'heaven's gate winter' — is the great moistener of lung and kidney yin, treasured in Daoist longevity traditions. Glutinous, translucent tubers clear deficiency heat where ophiopogon cannot reach, particularly for deep dryness with night sweats and wasting thirst.
🌿 功效
- •Nourishes lung and kidney yin
- •Clears lung deficiency heat
- •Generates fluids
- •Moistens the intestines
📖 用法用量
6–12 g in decoction, simmered 40 minutes; traditionally honey-processed to moderate its cold nature.
🔬 现代研究
Asparagus steroidal saponins (asparagosides) and polysaccharides are studied for antitussive, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activity.
⚠️ 禁忌
Avoid with spleen deficiency, dampness, and diarrhea — its cold and cloying nature burdens weak digestion.
