This is one of my favorite quotations and a basis for the way I would like to practice veterinary medicine. If there is a food or a diet that can accomplish healing in a patient, I would prefer that to medication. A few years ago, I posted on my personal blog about the medicinal benefits of goji berries, and I wanted to re-share that with my Shiloh clients. Read below to learn more about this amazing superfood.
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| Dried Goji Berries |
What are goji berries?
Goji berries are a fruit that grows on an evergreen shrub found in subtropical and temperate regions of China, Tibet and Mongolia. Goji berries are also called wolf berries, Lycium, or by the Chinese pin-yin Gou Qi Zi.
What's special about goji berries?
These berries are rich in antioxidants, specifically beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. They are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin C. Goji berries also contain 18 amino acids, 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides, and 5 unsaturated fatty acids. You can get an abundance of nutrients in just one small berry!
What are the clinical applications?
In Chinese herbal medicine, goji berries are combined with additional herbs to help with eye disorders, endocrine disorders such as diabetes and Cushing's diseases, premature aging, coughing, hypertension, and infertility. Goji berries have been used by herbalists in China for over 6,000 years!
What do goji berries taste like?
The berries have a mild tangy taste, slightly sweet and slightly sour. When eaten in the dried form, they have the texture and consistency of raisins. (FYI--you should never feed raisins to your pet).
What are the forms of goji berries available?
The most widely available form is dried fruit. There are juices and teas available but the health benefits are less well documented with these forms. You can find goji berries at health food stores, Asian supermarkets, and online.
Are there possible drug interactions?
Goji berries may interact with anticoagulant medications at high doses.
Can goji berries be used as food therapy?
Goji berries can be used long term for food therapy in animals and people. Before starting this with your pet, please check with your integrative veterinarian or experienced herbalist for proper use and dosage.
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