Fifty Shades of Red

On the feast of St Valentine, we pay tribute to Gou Qi Zi – or goji – berries.

Droplet-shaped and ranging in tone from dusty orange to bright scarlet, goji berries possess a tongue-twistingly sweet-and-sour taste that hints at their Asian origin.

Exotic and erotic

Amid the goji berry’s ‘worthier’ qualities lie sparkling gems: shiny eyes, glowing skin and a sexier love life.

In Asia, goji berries are traditionally used to enhance libido and sexual functioning in men and women. How? By naturally increasing testosterone levels (women need it for great sex too!) and improving circulation. These little jewels are also used as a tonic to improve mood and stamina and reduce stress – a prescription for good lovin’.

Where’d you get those peepers…?

If eyes are the window to the soul, goji berries will make yours sparkle. A tea of goji berries and chrysanthemum flowers is traditionally used to ease eye complaints. But the magic of goji goes beyond that…

Nutritionist and herbalist Roxy Dillon writes about Gou Qi Zi in her book, Radical Rejuvenation:

‘Gou Qi Zi (Lycium chinensis or Lycium barbarum): Delicious tasting, sweet red berries which give you instant energy, vitality and a sunny disposition. They are extremely high in beta carotene and will improve eyesight and give your eyes a visible sparkle within days…’

And there’s more…

‘Just a handful of Gou Qi Zi berries will raise your mood and energy instantly. Regular use will transform you into a much more cheerful person.’

What a combo!

Silky skin

These gems are also known as ‘longevity’ berries. They are brimming with vitamin C and beta carotene, which help protect skin cells from free-radical damage and promote a sexy glow.

Myths and stories abound. A famous Chinese writer told of a rich, beautiful woman who looked 20 years younger than her age. Her youthful pulchritude was attributed to drinking goji berry tea and eating the seeds on a daily basis.

Literary license aside, the goji plant enjoys a strong tradition in Chinese folk medicine and professional practice.

The seriously sexy goji…

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the goji berry is used to tonify kidney jing (or essence). Sounds boring? It ain’t.

According to TCM, kidney energy holds the seat of procreation, the body’s vitality centre, the basis for clarity of thought, the ability to regenerate the body, and the power to keep moving upright (and, hopefully, in other directions too!).

Kidney jing governs our sex organs and influences hormone balance. When our kidney energy is depleted, our sex drive is weak and we age more rapidly.

Conversely, strong kidney energy is reputed to restore youthfulness, balance hormones, detoxify the body, and set your sex life alight!

In Asian countries, goji berry juices and teas are commonly taken with meals. Asians tend to have fewer heart problems for a number of reasons. One might just be our red hot friend.

Goji berries contain natural compounds that dilate blood vessels, encouraging better blood flow to all areas of the body! That’s why, while being great for the heart (how apt for Valentine’s Day!), vasodilators are also helpful for male and female problems ranging from erectile dysfunction to elusive orgasms.

East meets West

TCM is a sophisticated system. It is wise to consult with a qualified, experienced practitioner when addressing health concerns.

Many claims have been made for goji berries. While these little sweeties have a long history of use in traditional medicine, as yet few peer-reviewed papers have been published on their health-enhancing properties.

In TCM, goji is considered a medicinal plant and treated with respect – a different approach to the ‘more is more’ attitude of the West that can lead to a food or substance being taken in too high a quantity. That is why some caution is advisable.

Cautions

A probable adverse interaction has been noted between goji juice and Warfarin (Coumadin). TCM also cautions pregnant women against using goji berries and products. For more information, including potential drug interactions, see Lycium: MedlinePlus and HealthGuidance.

Finally, a truffle for St Valentine…

…to celebrate the Day of Love.

Our sweet-sour droplets of goji-ness frequently fall for chocolate. Try Almond Goji Berry Truffles for a taste of East-West bliss.

Happy Valentine’s Day!