Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium) fruit or more commonly known as Goji berries, have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat poor vision and anaemia. From this perspective these symptoms arise because of an underlying deficiency. Deficiency often leads to poor blood circulation which is vital if you want to maintain adequate eye health. Poor circulation and a lack of nourishment to the eyes often manifest with dizziness, eye floaters, blurred vision and diminished vision. Other symptoms of deficiency that may also be present, include sore back, achy heavy legs and a low-grade abdominal pain.
In Chinese Medicine Goji berries will be used with other herbs in a formula to treat these underlying deficiencies, they may also be added to foods and soups to aid in general health and wellbeing. Goji berries added to chicken bone broth can be particularly useful when suffering from both vision related disturbances as well as blood deficiencies.
In recent years, with growing popularity there have been many studies involving Goji berries. In a study involving elderly patients, who received daily supplementation of goji berries for 90 days, found that this treatment was effective in increasing antioxidant levels as well as protected from hypopigmentation and accumulation in the macula. (1)Additionally, another study performed at Taiwan University found that goji berries may help protect diabetics from diabetes-induced eye damage.(2)
References
- Bucheli P, Vidal K, Shen L, Gu Z, Zhang C, Miller LE, Wang J. Goji berry effects on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels. Optom Vis Sci. 2011 Feb;88(2):257-62. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e318205a18f.
- Hu CK, Lee YJ, Colitz CM, Chang CJ, Lin CT. The protective effects of Lycium barbarum and Chrysanthemum morifolum on diabetic retinopathies in rats.Vet Ophthalmol. 2012 Sep;15 Suppl 2:65-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2012.01018.x. Epub 2012 Apr 5.
Author Emily Moldez BHSc Chinese Medicine
https://www.acupointchinesemedicine.com
Practitioner Bio: Emily has been practicing Chinese medicine and acupuncture for over 8 years. She treats many people with problems relating to hormonal and reproductive health, digestive problems, allergies, autoimmune, neurological and pain related conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, migraines and headaches and back pain. Emily follows the belief our minds are not separate from our body. That feelings, moods and vitality are a form of communication from our body's nervous system and mirrors our internal and social state. By giving our body what it needs and is asking for we can take our first steps towards health.
Appointments available from Bentleigh Health Foods