Ophiopogon
Ophiopogon japonicus · 麦冬
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Mai men dong, Mai dong, Dwarf lilyturf, Mondo grass
Pinyin: Mài Dōng
Limited human safety dataA tuberous root used in Chinese medicine to moisten dryness and support the heart and lungs.
Did you know? Ophiopogon is a grass-like plant in the lily family. Its garden cousin, mondo grass, is a common ground cover, but the medicine is the root.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Heart health. Lab and animal studies suggest heart-protective effects. Sheng Mai formulas are used in Chinese heart care, but the quality of human trials is uncertain.Traditional proof
- Sore throat & cough. Traditional use for dry cough and dry throat. Lab and animal studies. Human trials for the root alone are lacking.Traditional proof
- Energy & tiredness. Traditional use for weakness with dryness and heat. Lab and animal studies only.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses mai dong to nourish yin, moisten dryness and clear heat from the lungs and heart. It is a core herb in Sheng Mai San (Pulse Engendering Powder) and Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction).
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Demulcent, Tonic, Expectorant. Energy: cooling.
- Chinese medicine
- 麦冬 Tonify yin. Nature: cool. Flavour: sweet, bitter. Enters the Heart, Lung and Stomach channels.
How people take it
Traditional decoctions often use about 6 to 12 g of dried root. Supplement doses vary. No good human dose studies exist for the root alone.
Decoction, tea, powder and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows in China, Japan and Korea. Sold as dried tuber, slices, powder and capsules. Garden mondo grass is ornamental and is not the same product.
Be careful
Usually mild. Can cause loose stools, bloating or stomach upset in some people. It is cool in nature, so it may not suit people with loose stools or cold digestion.
Avoid if: loose stools.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Also in Sheng Mai San, where it nourishes fluids and eases dry mouth and heat signs.
- Works well together
Ginseng and ophiopogon are the core of Sheng Mai San (Pulse Engendering Powder), used for dry mouth and weak energy with heat.
- Works well together
Ophiopogon and schisandra are both in Sheng Mai San.
- Works well together
Ophiopogon and pinellia (ban xia) are both in Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction) for dry cough and throat dryness with phlegm.
- Works well together
Huang jing and mai dong are both used in tradition for dryness and yin support.
The honest take
Ophiopogon is a traditional tonic for dryness and heart care, with little reported harm. Most of its evidence is lab or animal work, and human trials mostly test formulas. Its benefits remain plausible but unproven.