Di Gu Pi
Lycium chinense Mill. or Lycium barbarum L.
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes Yin and Clears Deficiency Heat; Clears Lung Heat and Drains Lung Fire; Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding; Generates Fluids and Relieves Thirst
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Lycium chinense (and the closely related L. barbarum), source of Di Gu Pi, is a deciduous, sprawling to scandent shrub in the Solanaceae family, reaching 1-3 m with slender arching, often spiny branches. Leaves are alternate or fascicled, ovate-lanceolate to rhombic, 2-6 cm long, with entire margins. Small lavender to purple funnel-shaped flowers 1-1.5 cm across produce bright red-orange ovoid berries (goji/wolfberry) 1-2 cm long. Native to East Asia, it is cultivated widely on dry slopes, riverbanks, and as hedging. Di Gu Pi specifically denotes the dried cortex (root bark) harvested in early spring or late autumn.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Di Gu Pi (lycium root bark, wolfberry root bark) is a cool herb that specializes in clearing deep deficiency Heat from within the Blood level. Its primary indication is the "steaming bone" fever pattern — presenting with afternoon fever, night sweats, and a feverish sensation deep in the bones without outwardly measured fever — characteristic of Kidney and Lung Yin deficiency with internal heat. It also clears Lung Heat for coughing with blood, and cools Blood Heat to stop certain types of bleeding from heat. It is a fundamental herb in formulas for constitutional Yin deficiency with heat.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.