Educational Introduction to Ophiopogon japonicus (Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber) Lung-Clearing Decoction Medicated Diet
Introduction to Medicinal Diet
Maidong Qingfei Decoction (Ophiopogon Lung-Clearing Decoction) is a traditional Chinese medicinal food therapy with a long history. It is meticulously prepared using Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) as the primary herb, combined with nourishing and moistening ingredients such as Lilium brownii (Baihe), Adenophora stricta (Shashen), and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu). This decoction is renowned among the public as the “Number One Lung-Moistening Soup,” especially suitable for regular consumption during the dry autumn and winter seasons, or for individuals living in air-conditioned environments or areas with heavy air pollution. The soup has a clear, bright appearance, a sweet and refreshing taste, and a light herbal fragrance, making it suitable for people of all ages.
Maidong Qingfei Tang (Ophiopogon Lung-Clearing Decoction) was inspired by the classic TCM formula Maimendong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction). Through successive generations of physicians who refined it according to the constitutional characteristics of modern individuals, it has gradually evolved into a therapeutic culinary remedy centered on the core actions of “clearing and moistening, nourishing yin, and stopping cough.” This preparation is not only a palatable soup but also a gentle method of regulation, capable of helping the body maintain pulmonary health during seasonal transitions or when attacked by external dryness evils, thereby enhancing respiratory resistance.
Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Diet
The core efficacy of Maidong Qingfei Tang (Ophiopogonis Clear Lung Decoction) lies in “clearing the Lung and moistening dryness, nourishing Yin and engendering fluids.” It provides significant relief for symptoms such as dry mouth and tongue, dry and itchy throat, dry cough with scant sputum, and hoarseness, which may result from autumn dryness, staying up late, vocal overuse, or long-term smoking. Regular consumption of this decoction helps maintain moisture in the respiratory mucosa, reduces damage to the Lung from external dryness pathogenic factors, and promotes smoother, more comfortable breathing.
In addition to its direct lung-moistening effect, this decoction can also help alleviate issues of “dryness both internally and externally,” such as dry skin and dry stools caused by Lung yin deficiency. The polysaccharides in Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) work synergistically with the mucilage in Lilium brownii (Baihe) and Radix Adenophorae/Glehniae (Shashen) to nourish the body from within, enhancing its ability to adapt to dry environments. This achieves a holistic “internal nourishment for external moisturization” regulation.
Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nourish yin and clear the lung, addressing both root and branch.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Mai Dong Qing Fei Tang (Ophiopogon Lung-Clearing Decoction) employs the basic treatment principle of “sweet-cold nourishing yin.” In the formula, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus) enters the Lung (LU), Stomach (ST), and Heart (HT) meridians, and excels at nourishing yin and moistening the Lung, benefiting the Stomach and generating fluids, as well as clearing the Heart and relieving irritability; it serves as the chief herb for clearing and moistening Lung dryness. It is paired with Sha Shen (Adenophora/Glehnia root) and Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum) to further enhance the actions of nourishing yin and clearing the Lung, while Bai He (Lilium brownii) additionally calms the Heart and settles the Spirit. Together, the entire formula addresses the core pathogenesis of “Lung yin deficiency with internal disturbance of dry-heat.”
Mutual generation of Metal and Water, indirectly tonifying the Kidney.
In the Five Phases theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Lung pertains to Metal and the Kidney pertains to Water, with Metal generating Water. Prolonged Lung yin deficiency can affect the Kidney yin, leading to manifestations such as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and night sweats, which is characteristic of the “Lung-Kidney yin deficiency” pattern. Maidong Qingfei Decoction (Ophiopogonis Radix Lung-Clearing Decoction) not only moistens the Lung but also indirectly nourishes Kidney yin through the mechanism of “Metal and Water mutually generating.” It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients or those in the late stage of chronic consumptive diseases, helping to delay aging and improve constitution.
Indications
Ophiopogon Lung-Clearing Decoction is particularly suitable for the following groups: first, people who stay in dry environments for extended periods, such as office workers, those working in air-conditioned rooms, residents of heated rooms in northern regions, and individuals frequently exposed to dust or polluted environments; second, professionals who use their voices frequently, such as teachers, singers, broadcasters, tour guides, and salespeople, as it can effectively relieve throat discomfort; third, smokers and passive smokers, as it helps clear Lung Dry-Heat and reduces the irritation of tobacco on the respiratory tract.
Additionally, for elderly individuals and children who are prone to dry cough during the seasonal transition from autumn to winter, as well as for young people experiencing yin deficiency with effulgent fire due to staying up late or high stress, Maidong Qingfei Tang (Ophiopogon Clears the Lung Decoction) serves as a mild and effective medicated diet for regulation. For convalescent patients recovering from surgery or a serious illness, presenting with dual deficiency of qi and yin, moderate consumption under a physician’s guidance can help promote recovery.
Contraindicated populations
People with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold and loose stools should use with caution. Herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), Adenophora stricta (Shashen), and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) are cold and cool in nature, which can easily damage the yang qi of the Spleen and Stomach. If the patient already presents with cold pain in the abdomen, poor appetite, and loose, unformed stools, consumption may aggravate indigestion or diarrhea. If such individuals truly need to moisten the Lung, it is recommended to add warming-center ingredients such as Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese date) under the guidance of a physician to counteract the cold nature.
It is not suitable for individuals in the early stage of wind-cold common cold (manifesting as pronounced aversion to cold, clear runny nasal discharge, and thin white phlegm) or those with exuberant phlegm-dampness (manifesting as profuse white phlegm, chest oppression, nausea, and a thick, greasy tongue coating). This is because the soup is relatively cooling, moistening, and astringent in nature, which may cause external pathogens to linger internally or aggravate phlegm-dampness, leading to a prolonged and unresolved illness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consult a licensed TCM practitioner before deciding whether to consume it.
Ingredient Formula Proportions
Main ingredients: 12g Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), 10g Glehnia littoralis (Beishashen), 10g Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu), 10g dried Lilium brownii (Baihe), 2 pitted honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba, about 20g), 150g lean pork (or 120g chicken breast). Supplementary ingredients: 3 slices fresh Zingiber officinale (ginger, about 6g), appropriate amount of salt (about 2g, added at the end for seasoning). The above is the standard amount for 1-2 servings. For family meals, adjust proportionally.
Key Ratio Explanation: The proportion of Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong), Glehnia littoralis (Sha Shen), and Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu) is maintained at 6:5:5 to ensure nourishment of yin without causing greasiness, and clear moistening without impairing vital energy. Lilium brownii (Bai He) is used in moderate dosage to synergistically moisten the lungs without excessive cooling. The addition of honeyed jujube (Mi Zao) harmonizes the medicinal flavors while enhancing the action of supplementing the middle and boosting qi, making the entire formula more balanced. Lean pork or chicken breast is chosen as the meat component for its clear nourishing property without greasiness, avoiding any compromise to the formula’s inherently moistening and pure nature.
Cooking method
Step 1: Ingredient Preparation and Pre-processing
Quickly rinse Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong), Glehnia littoralis (Beishashen), Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu), and dried Lilium brownii (Baihe) under fresh water to remove surface dust. Then place them in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of warm water, and soak for 20 minutes to slightly soften the herbs, which facilitates the extraction of active constituents. Cut lean pork (or chicken breast) into 2 cm cubes, place them in a pot of cold water with one slice of fresh ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, remove the meat, and rinse with warm water. Set aside.
Step 2: Simmer the medicinal soup
Place the prepared meat, all soaked herbs (along with the soaking water), honey jujubes, and the remaining 2 slices of ginger into a stewing pot or clay pot. Add enough boiling water (approximately 1000-1200 ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout; avoid high heat to prevent the broth from becoming cloudy. Try not to open the lid frequently during simmering to preserve the aroma and medicinal efficacy.
Step Three: Flavor Adjustment and Completion
5 minutes before turning off the heat, add an appropriate amount of salt to taste according to personal preference, and stir evenly. Note that salt should not be added too early to avoid affecting the extraction of the herbs and the fresh-sweet flavor of the soup. After stewing, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the herb residue, consuming only the clear broth and meat. The soup is clear with a slight yellow hue, carrying a faint herbal aroma and the sweetness of honey dates. It has a warm, smooth, and mellow texture and can be enjoyed hot immediately.
Drinking Tips
1. Optimal drinking time: It is recommended to consume between 3-5 PM (Shen period), when Qi and blood flow through the Bladder Meridian (BL) and the body’s metabolism is vigorous. Since the Lung Meridian (LU) and Bladder Meridian are interior-exteriorly related, the Lung-nourishing decoction (Run Fei Tang) taken at this time can be better absorbed and utilized. It can also be taken warm one hour before bedtime to help alleviate nighttime dry mouth, calm the mind, and promote sleep.
2. Drinking Frequency and Course of Treatment: For general daily regulation, 2-3 times per week is sufficient, and continuous consumption should not exceed 2 weeks. When used to relieve autumn dryness or chronic pharyngitis, one course of 5-7 consecutive days can be taken, with a 3-5 day interval before resuming. Avoid excessive consumption to prevent cold and cool nature from damaging the stomach.
3. Synergistic Combinations and Adjustments: For pronounced dry cough, add 3g of Fritillaria cirrhosa (Chuan Beimu) powder (add 10 minutes before turning off heat). For sore throat with swelling, add 6g of Lonicera japonica (Jinyinhua) and decoct together. For qi deficiency and fatigue, add 5g of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi). For individuals with cold-predominant constitution, increase honeyed dates to 3 pieces and add 1 extra slice of fresh ginger to neutralize the cold nature.