Mai Dong 麦冬

Mài dōng (Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber; 麦冬) replenishes fluids in the body and nourishes Yin. In TCM, Yin represents the energy that is responsible for moistening and cooling bodily functions. Mài dōng is often used to restore Yin-Yang balance when there is Yin deficiency in the stomach, lung, or heart.

Benefits:
● Moistens the lungs to treat dryness in the lungs, manifesting physically as dry cough with little phlegm; sore throat; voice hoarseness; dry nose and throat, etc.
● Clears excess heat in the heart, thereby calming the mind
● Regulates heart Yin deficiency symptoms such as restlessness; insomnia; dream-disturbed sleep; heart palpitations; forgetfulness, etc.
● Clears excess heat in the stomach and moistens the intestines, thereby improving stomach Yin deficiency symptoms such as pain in the stomach or abdomen; dryness in the mouth and thirst; slight feeling of fullness after eating; hunger without appetite; dry stool or constipation; and retching (gagging without throwing up). 

Ingredients:
Mài dōng (Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber; 麦冬)

Origin:
Zhejiang, China

Dosage:
6g to 12g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

How to soothe a swollen and sore throat:
Rinse herbs before use. Put 10g Honeysuckle (jīn yín huā; 金银花), 9g Chrysanthemum Buds (tāi jú; 胎菊), 10g xuán shēn (玄参), 10g mài dōng (麦冬), and 3g gān cǎo (Liquorice Root; 甘草) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover the herbs. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer under low heat for 20 minutes. Add rock sugar or honey to taste. Serve it warm. (Serving size: 1 to 2)

How to make a Yin-nourishing tea:
Add 10g mài dōng (麦冬), 10g xuán shēn (玄参), 5g wū méi (乌梅), and 3g gān cǎo (甘草) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover the herbs. Bring to a boil and let it simmer under low heat for 20 minutes. Add rock sugar or honey to taste. Serve it warm. This healthy tea aids in moistening the lungs to alleviate dry cough and sore throat. (Serving size: 1 to 2) 

In TCM, 'heatiness' suggests an excess of Yang energy or deficiency of Yin. Apart from the hot weather, poor diet and lifestyle can also cause 'heatiness' to manifest in the body. For instance, frequently staying up late, overworking without adequate rest, consuming excessive 'heaty' foods, etc.

Examples of 'heaty' foods:
● Deep-fried, greasy or spicy foods
● Chicken, beef, or lamb meats
● Fruits such as durian, mango, longan, or lychee
● Alcohol, coffee, red tea, or chocolate beverages

Some signs of 'heatiness' or Yin deficiency include:
● Warm, feverish palms and soles
● Sore throat, fever, or ulcers in the mouth
● Hard and dry stools or constipation
● Dark or yellow urine
● Dry or bloodshot eyes
● Skin issues such as acne, eczema, and hives
● Feelings of restlessness, irritability, vexation, agitation, or anxiety
● Dream-disturbed sleep or insomnia
● Dry cough or cough with thick yellow phlegm

Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.