Goji Berry - Lycium barbarum
1:4 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagyric Tincture of dried organic goji berries, with plant salts added.
Planetary ruler: Mars
Physical Effects*:
Lycium barbarum is widely known and utilised for its powerful antioxidant effect, particularly in the effort of slowing aging and protecting DNA. The berries contain abundant polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, amides, peptides, anthraquinones, coumarins, lignanoids, terpenoids, sterols, steroids, organic acids, anthocyanins, essential oils, and glycolipids. Goji also contains Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, (LBPs) these constituents increase enzymatic free radical scavenging ability in a significant way, whilst vitamin C, carotenoids, and other compoents of these berries increase non-enzymatic free-radical scavenging capacity. By enhancing free-radical decomposition and elimination, toxins, and stressors have less chance of damaging the body. Scientific studies have also shown that goji berries can: protect the eyes through antioxidants and zeaxanthin; boost the immune system; protect against UV damage; lower blood sugar; increase HDL (good cholesterol levels); improve energy, focus, athletic performance, mental acuity, calmness, contentment and sleep; prevent liver damage – potentially inhibit tumour growth in the liver; reduce abdominal fat; improve lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome; protect against type 2 diabetes; reduce insulin resistance; and reduce hypertension. TCM uses Goji berries to increase fertility for both women and men, these properties have been confirmed scientifically – treating abnormal ovulation and premature ovarian failure. Goji berries are also used in some bodybuilding blends/mixes.
*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.
Emotional Properties*:
Sometimes the warrior energy of mars is overly masculinised, just as Venus can be overly feminised… the truth is that all planets contain both feminine and masculine archetypes. Goji berries can invoke the more feminine sides of one’s being, encouraging a drive, and ‘warrior’ attitude that is anchored in a fluid, fruity, dynamic and interactive kind of joy. This is thus a perfect medicine for those who’s determination and doing can make them overly serious, for life does require much of us and wants us to commit to action, though it knows the most fruitful action will arise from a centre of good cheer and heartiness. Goji berry can teach us to feel and know what really gets our blood pumping, what really inspires us to get up out of bed in the morning! Rise and shine, rather than rise and grind. Pace yourself and grace yourself. When one integrates a more internal awareness of the body into the external actions of doing, one moves with greater proximity to the rhythms and cycles that weave through all things. Goji berries can help one see the most effective way to do something, by seeing this we can throw ourselves behind life’s callings and tasks because we know we are doing the right things, in the right way -action is consolidated, and therefore more enjoyable. The enjoyment then fuels greater conviction and consolidation and the cycle goes on. Life is not about ticking off a ‘to-do’ list until there is nothing left to tick, it is about walking in continual offering to the requests of the outer and inner worlds - the rest of humanity and our own soul. Goji berries illuminate the necessities and the essences of this dance, so we may weave with them accordingly. All these characteristics make Goji suitable for those who push themselves because of hidden feelings of inadequacy; for people who tie their self-worth to their productivity; for those who feel like there’s always way too much to do in too little time… Goji enables harmony between doing and being.
Recommended dose: 7-12 drops per day, or as you feel is right for you. Max dose 50 drops.
Cautions/Contraindications:-Pregnancy: Goji berries contain a chemical called betaine, which may cause miscarriage.
-Blood pressure: If you have low blood pressure goji berries may lower your blood pressure too much, if you are taking medication to lower high blood pressure, Goji may lower your blood pressure too much. Some antiypertensive medications that may interact with Goji berries include: Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
-Diabetes: If you are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, Goji berries may lower your blood sugar too much. Some diabetes medications that may interact with Goji berries include: include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
-Medications changed by the liver: Goji may decrease how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications. Taking goji along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of these drugs. Drugs including: amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
-Warfarin: Goji berries may increase the amount of time Warfarin stays in the body, which may increase the chances of bleeding and bruising.
