Mai Dong, also known as Ophiopogonis Radix or Ophiopogon Root, is a sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, and clear deficiency heat. It is primarily used to treat conditions involving Lung, Stomach, and Heart Yin Deficiency, such as dry cough, thirst, dry mouth, insomnia, and irritability. Mai Dong is a gentle, moistening herb that restores fluids and calms the spirit.
Functions & Benefits
Nourishes Lung Yin & Moistens Dryness
Mai Dong is commonly used to treat chronic dry cough, dry throat, or hoarseness due to Lung Yin Deficiency. It helps relieve heat-induced respiratory symptoms with little or no phlegm and a dry sensation in the chest.
Nourishes Stomach Yin & Generates Fluids
This herb is helpful in conditions where Stomach Yin has been damaged by heat, illness, or overuse of drying substances. It alleviates symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, irritability, and appetite loss caused by lack of internal fluids.
Clears Deficiency Heat & Calms the Spirit
Mai Dong clears heat from Yin Deficiency, particularly in the Heart and Lungs, and is used for symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, and palpitations due to fluid depletion and internal heat disturbing the Shen.
Moistens the Intestines
Due to its moistening nature, Mai Dong may also help relieve constipation caused by fluid deficiency and internal dryness, especially in the elderly or post-illness.
Indications
Dry cough, sore throat, or hoarseness from Lung Yin Deficiency.
Thirst, dry mouth, or restlessness from Stomach Yin Deficiency or febrile illness.
Insomnia, palpitations, or anxiety due to Heart Yin Deficiency with heat.
Constipation due to dryness or post-febrile fluid loss.
Irritability and low-grade fever in Yin-deficient individuals.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red and dry with little or no coating, especially at the tip or center.
Pulse: Thin and rapid, or forceless and floating-empty, indicating Yin and fluid deficiency.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Mai Dong
Mai Dong treats Lung Yin Deficiency, Stomach Yin Deficiency, Heart Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Heat, and Dryness in the Intestines. These patterns involve symptoms such as dry cough, thirst, irritability, insomnia, or dry stools.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for patients with damp-phlegm, cold-damp, or loose stools.
Use with caution in those with weak digestion, especially if there’s Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Not appropriate in exterior cold or wind-cold conditions.
Avoid combining with overly cold or drying herbs unless balanced.
Conclusion
Mai Dong is a moistening and nourishing Yin tonic used to treat dryness and heat due to Yin Deficiency. It is especially effective for chronic dry cough, fluid depletion, insomnia, and digestive dryness. Its gentle action and broad applicability make it ideal for recovery from febrile disease, chronic lung or digestive disorders, and Yin Deficiency of the Heart.
