Scientific name: Lycium barbarum
English Common name: Chinese wolfberry, Chinese boxthorn, mede berry, barbary matrimony vine, murali, red medlar or matrimony vine, etc.
Chinese Name: 枸杞子
(Mandarin: Gǒuqǐ zi/ Canotnese: gau2 gei2 zi2)

What is Goji Berry?

• Goji Berry is one of two species of boxthorn in the family Solanaceae from which the goji berry or wolfberry is harvested. It is naturally occurring in Asia, primarily in Ningxia and Gansu of northwest China.
• The plant produces bright orange-red, oblong berries with fresh, juicy and sweet taste.
• Dried naturally under the sun, the berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Goji Berry is a powerhouse of energy, nutrition and healing.
• A source of cooling “yin” that is a remedy for thirst, heat stroke and fatigue.

Are there any health benefits?

• Improving eyesight
  Goji Berry are a source of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that helping protect the eyes from high-energy light waves such as the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• General health
  Goji Berry may protect the liver, improve sexual function, strengthen the legs, skin and hair health, boost immune system, improve circulation, promote weight loss and longevity.

How do I select Goji Berry?

• The better goji berry is in long flat shape with dark red color. If they are in bright red color, that probably added with the artificial color.
• Also, the sulphured goji smells a little bit pungent. It would be easier to distinguish the goji with colorings when put them in the water for a while.

Additional Information

• Please avoid taking goji berry if you take warfarin (blood thinners), also, goji berry may interact with diabetes and blood pressure medicine.
• They are naturally rich in oxalate which may be a health issue in kidney problems.
• Goji Berry, which is a “superfood”, are eaten raw after rinse and can be used in herbal teas, soups, porridges and wines.