Herb

Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf root | 麦冬

Also known as:

Mai Men Dong , Mondograss , Fountainplant

Mai Dong

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Properties

Yin-tonifying herbs (补阴药) · Slightly Cool

Traditionally supports*

Respiratory Health Digestive Health Heart and sleep support Dry Mouth Relief

Parts Used

Tuber (块茎 kuài jīng / 块根 kuài gēn)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Mai Dong is one of the most widely used Yin-nourishing herbs in Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to moisten dryness and replenish body fluids. It is commonly used for dry cough, dry mouth and throat, irritability, insomnia, and constipation caused by insufficient body fluids. Its gentle, cooling nature makes it suitable for everyday use in teas and soups, and it has a long history as both a food and a medicine in China.

Herb Category

Yin-tonifying herbs (补阴药)

Main Actions

  • Nourishes Yin and Generates Fluids
  • Moistens the Lungs and Stops Cough
  • Clears Heart Fire and Eliminates Irritability
  • Benefits the Stomach and Generates Fluids
  • Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels

How These Actions Work

'Nourishes Yin and generates fluids' means Mai Dong replenishes the body's moistening, cooling fluids (Yin and Jin-Ye). When the body lacks these fluids, whether from fever, chronic illness, dry climate, or simply aging, symptoms like dry mouth, thirst, dry skin, and a parched feeling in the throat can appear. Mai Dong's sweet, slightly cool nature directly restores these fluids. This is the herb's most fundamental action and the reason it appears in so many classical formulas.

'Moistens the Lungs and stops cough' means Mai Dong supplies moisture to the Lung system, which in TCM governs the respiratory tract and skin. When the Lungs become dry, whether from dry air, smoking, prolonged coughing, or a lingering illness, the result is a dry, hacking cough with little or no phlegm, a scratchy throat, or a hoarse voice. Mai Dong's cooling moisture calms the irritation and stops the cough. It is especially suited to dry coughs rather than coughs with copious phlegm.

'Clears Heart fire and eliminates irritability' refers to Mai Dong's ability to calm the mind when emotional restlessness, insomnia, or palpitations arise from insufficient Heart Yin. In TCM, when the Heart's cooling fluids are depleted, 'virtual Heat' flares up, causing an agitated, restless state. Mai Dong enters the Heart channel and nourishes Heart Yin, gently cooling this Heat and calming the spirit.

'Benefits the Stomach and promotes fluid production' describes how Mai Dong restores the Stomach's digestive juices. When the Stomach becomes too dry (Stomach Yin Deficiency), a person may feel nauseous, have no appetite, experience a dry mouth with a desire to sip water, or have hiccups. Mai Dong moistens the Stomach lining and promotes the natural production of digestive fluids.

'Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels' applies when constipation results from a lack of internal moisture rather than from excess Heat or stagnation. Elderly patients or those recovering from illness often develop dry, hard stools because their body fluids are depleted. Mai Dong's rich, moistening quality lubricates the intestines and eases bowel movements.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Mai Dong is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Mai Dong addresses this pattern

Lung Yin Deficiency is a state of chronic dryness in the respiratory system. The Lungs lack the moistening fluids needed to keep the airways comfortable and to prevent a dry cough. Mai Dong enters the Lung channel and has a sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cool nature that is perfectly suited to nourish Lung Yin, generate fluids, and gently clear the deficiency Heat that accompanies Yin depletion. Its moistening quality directly counters the dryness at the root of this pattern, while its cooling nature calms the low-grade Heat that arises when Yin is insufficient.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Dry Cough

Dry cough with little or no phlegm, worse at night

Dry Throat

Persistent dry, scratchy throat

Hoarseness

Hoarse voice from chronic dryness

Night Sweats

Night sweats or afternoon low-grade fever

TCM Properties

Temperature

Slightly Cool

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered
Heart Lungs Stomach
Parts Used

Tuber (块茎 kuài jīng / 块根 kuài gēn)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Mai Dong tubers are spindle-shaped, plump, and 1.5-3 cm long. The surface should be yellowish-white to pale yellow with fine longitudinal wrinkles. The texture should be soft, pliable, and slightly tough (not brittle or woody). When broken, the cross-section should appear yellowish-white, semi-translucent, and slightly waxy, with a very small central woody core (zhong zhu). When chewed, it should feel sticky and mucilaginous, with a sweet, slightly bitter taste. The aroma should be subtly fragrant. Avoid tubers that are overly white and bleached-looking (may indicate sulfur fumigation, which leaves a sharp acidic smell), excessively dry and brittle, dark-coloured, or hollow. Zhejiang Mai Dong is traditionally considered higher quality, with larger tubers and richer aroma, while Sichuan Mai Dong tends to be shorter, paler, and denser.

Primary Growing Regions

The two premier producing regions are Zhejiang province and Sichuan province in China, each yielding a distinct grade of Mai Dong: 1. Zhejiang (浙麦冬/杭麦冬): Historically considered the finest quality (dao di yao cai). Produced mainly around Cixi, Yuyao, and formerly Hangzhou (especially Jianqiao town, whose "Jian Mai Dong" was regarded as the best of the best). Zhejiang Mai Dong has higher total flavonoid content and is classified among the "Eight Famous Zhejiang Herbs" (浙八味). However, cultivation area has shrunk significantly in recent decades. 2. Sichuan (川麦冬/涪城麦冬): Centred on Santai County in Mianyang, the largest Mai Dong production base in China, producing over 70% of the national supply. The "Fucheng Mai Dong" (涪城麦冬) from the alluvial plains of the Fu River has received EU geographical indication recognition. The soil there is well-drained oil-sand earth ideal for tuber development. Smaller quantities are also grown in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Guangxi.

Harvesting Season

Summer (typically April to May in Sichuan after 2 years of growth, or the 3rd to 4th year in Zhejiang around the time of Li Xia). The tubers are dug up, washed, and repeatedly sun-dried and heaped until 70-80% dry, then the rootlets are removed and fully dried.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Miscellaneous Info

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Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

6-12g

Maximum

Up to 30-60g in cases of severe Yin deficiency with intense thirst or high fever consuming fluids, under practitioner supervision. Classical sources such as the Ben Cao Xin Bian explicitly advocated large doses for deep-seated Lung and Stomach fire.

Notes

Lower doses (6-9g) are suitable for mild Yin deficiency with dry mouth, light cough, or as a supportive ingredient in complex formulas. Standard doses (9-12g) are used for Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency with dry cough, thirst, or constipation. Higher doses (15-30g or more) are used when Yin depletion is severe, such as in the aftermath of high fevers or for intense thirst in Warm Disease patterns. In the classical formula Mai Men Dong Tang, Mai Dong is used in a very large dose as the chief herb (approximately 60g by modern calculation), reflecting the principle that generous dosing is needed when fire has deeply consumed the body's fluids. When used to clear Heart fire and calm the mind, it is traditionally used with the inner core (心) retained; when used to nourish Lung and Stomach Yin, the core is sometimes removed (去心).

Processing Methods

Processing method

The raw Mai Dong tubers are stir-fried with a small amount of liquid (traditionally rice-washing water or plain water) until slightly dry and non-sticky. Historically, the 'heart' (central woody core) was removed before use, though modern practice sometimes omits this step.

How it changes properties

Processing makes Mai Dong less cooling and less cloying (greasy) on the digestion. The slightly reduced cold nature means it can nourish Yin without obstructing Spleen function or causing loose stools. The moistening quality is preserved but becomes gentler.

When to use this form

For patients with Lung or Stomach Yin Deficiency whose digestion is weak or easily upset. Preferred when the patient needs Yin nourishment but cannot tolerate the raw herb's cooling, cloying nature.

Toxicity Classification

Non-toxic

Mai Dong is classified as non-toxic in classical sources (the Wu Pu Ben Cao explicitly states "无毒") and is listed as both a food and medicine substance in China. Animal toxicity studies with Mai Dong injection showed an LD50 of approximately 20.6 g/kg by intraperitoneal injection in mice, indicating a very wide safety margin. No significant adverse reactions have been reported from traditional dietary use (tea infusions, porridge, soups). The herb does not contain known toxic alkaloids or irritant compounds. The primary safety concern is not toxicity per se, but inappropriate use in cold-damp constitutions, where its moistening nature may worsen symptoms.

Contraindications

Caution

Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold with loose stools or diarrhea. Mai Dong is cool and moistening in nature, which can further weaken an already cold, deficient digestive system and worsen diarrhea.

Caution

Phlegm-dampness or turbid phlegm accumulation in the Stomach. The rich, moistening quality of Mai Dong can worsen phlegm and dampness, making it harder for the Spleen to transform and transport fluids.

Caution

Acute wind-cold cough or cough from cold-phlegm. Mai Dong's cool, Yin-nourishing nature is inappropriate for coughs caused by external cold pathogens, as it may trap the pathogen inside the body rather than helping to expel it.

Caution

Excessive dampness or edema with poor Spleen Qi. The herb's moistening, Yin-enriching properties can aggravate fluid accumulation when the Spleen's water-processing function is already compromised.

Classical Incompatibilities

Mai Dong does not appear on the classical Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反) or Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏) lists. However, one traditional dietary caution notes that Mai Dong should not be combined with crucian carp (鲫鱼, ji yu), a folk food-drug incompatibility recorded in some classical sources.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Mai Dong is generally considered safe during pregnancy at standard doses. It is a gentle Yin-nourishing herb without blood-moving, Qi-breaking, or uterine-stimulating properties. Classical texts do not list it among pregnancy-prohibited or pregnancy-cautioned herbs. It appears in several formulas historically used during pregnancy for conditions like Yin deficiency with restlessness. However, because it is cool and moistening, excessive dosing in pregnant women with Spleen deficiency and dampness should be avoided, as this could worsen nausea or digestive sluggishness. Consult a qualified practitioner for individualized guidance.

Breastfeeding

Mai Dong is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is a nourishing Yin tonic without known compounds that would be harmful through breast milk. Historically, Mai Dong has even been included in formulas to promote lactation (such as Mai Men Dong San in Sun Simiao's Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang), where it was used to generate fluids that support milk production. No adverse effects on nursing infants have been reported. As with all herbs during breastfeeding, standard dosing is recommended and professional guidance is advised.

Pediatric Use

Mai Dong can be used in children at appropriately reduced doses, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose depending on age and body weight. It is a gentle, non-toxic herb and has been historically included in pediatric formulas (such as for childhood Yin-deficiency fever). However, because of its cool, moistening nature, it should be used cautiously in young children with weak digestion, loose stools, or poor appetite, as it may further burden the Spleen. For children under 3 years old, professional guidance is especially important.

Drug Interactions

There are no well-documented, clinically significant drug interactions for Mai Dong in the published pharmacological literature. However, based on the known pharmacological properties of its active compounds, the following theoretical considerations apply:

  • Hypoglycemic medications: Mai Dong polysaccharides and saponins have demonstrated blood sugar-lowering effects in animal studies. Patients taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents should be monitored for potential additive hypoglycemic effects.
  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: Some in vitro studies suggest Mai Dong extracts may have mild anticoagulant or blood-flow-improving properties. While clinically significant interactions have not been confirmed, caution is theoretically warranted with warfarin or other anticoagulants.
  • Cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Mai Dong contains steroidal saponins. Although these are structurally distinct from cardiac glycosides, theoretical overlap in activity warrants monitoring in patients on digoxin therapy.

Dietary Advice

While taking Mai Dong, it is best to favour warm, easily digestible foods that support Yin without burdening the Spleen, such as congee, pears, lily bulbs, and mild soups. Avoid excessively greasy, fried, or heavy foods that generate dampness and phlegm, as these counteract the herb's moistening, Yin-nourishing purpose. Strongly spicy, hot foods (chilli, raw garlic, excessive ginger) should be moderated, as they can deplete the very fluids Mai Dong is meant to replenish. Cold, raw foods should also be eaten in moderation if digestion is weak, as Mai Dong is already cooling in nature.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this herb is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.