Can wolfberries improve eyesight?
You can eat them like raisins; make deserts, tea, stew, soup, juice and wine from them. They are not only tasty but very nutritious. Wolfberry is defined in the dictionary as an American plant but most people in North America have never heard of it. The people in China certainly have and is most noted there as the fruit that’s ‘good for the eyes.’ Wolfberries (Lycium chinense) are also known as Goji Berries.
These plants grow wild in parts of China and are also cultivated throughout Asia, the Middle East, North America and Britain. It is claimed that Wolfberries improve eyesight and Chinese doctors have for thousands of years studied them for many medicinal treatments. Why? Because they contain most all of the amino acids, more beta carotene than carrots, much more Vitamin C than oranges, and are also rich in vitamins B1, B6 and E and other minerals. Many say it is the most potent antioxidant fruit.
Wolfberries have been used in China as a staple for many centuries. The fruit or berries have been used by herbalists for ages. The fruit is sometimes called ‘matrimony vine fruit’ and ‘Chinese desert thorn fruit’ because of its sweet and mild flavor. Its roots have been known to have healing properties as well. The tender leaves are edible. It appears that the plant can survive extreme temperatures and can be grown in either semi-shade or direct sunlight conditions. It grows best in moist soil.
It along with green tea and ginseng are known as ‘national treasures’ of Chinese medicine. But what about it causes many to boast that wolfberries improve eyesight?
Beginning back in the first century it was used as a tonic to restore kidney and liver functions. Problems with eyesight, particularly blurred vision, may be due to a lack of yin in the liver and kidney which is why wolfberries are used as an effective cure. It can be combined with chrysanthemum flower, Chinese yam and other herbs to replenish yin to improve vision. It has been used in China to improve vision disorders such as cataracts, retinopathy as well as macular degeneration.
Besides improving eyesight, wolfberries have been known to boost energy, enhance the immune system function, improve circulation, and help with diabetes, cancer and other illnesses. Longevity is the highest in the world in Ningxia, the region of China where the best variety of this fruit is grown. Unlike ginseng and green tea, this plant is available to the average laborer or farmer in China and is a popular and economical addition to their diet. Today many of the products derived from this plant are widely available to us as well. So yes, wolfberries improve eyesight in some cases. Do you know why they suggest Kale for the eyes?
