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| GOJI BERRIES |
| LYCII (GOJI) BERRIES Lycium barbarum "Gou Qi Zi" Lycii are pink-red berries of a spiny solanaceous bush native to isolated areas of China, Tibet and Mongolia. Also known as Goji berries or wolfberries. A traditional Chinese longevity enhancer, countless stories dating back nearly 2000 years concern its miraculous ability to prolong and improve life. It was a staple food of the great sage and herbalist, Li Ch'ing Yuen who was reported to be over 250 years old when he died in 1930! Lycii berries have been declared a national treasure by the State Scientific & Technological Commission in China. Lycii berries are an incredibly nutritionally rich herb/food containing 18 amino acids, including all the essentials, and up to 21 important trace minerals such asÝ germanium, zinc, calcium, iron, copper, selenium, etc. Each raisin sized berry is packed full of beta-carotene, in fact lycii berries are said to be the richest carotenoid source of any known food plant! One of the more concentrated sources for vitamin C. Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E. These wonder berries also contain linoleic acid, sesquiterpenoids, tetraterpenoids, beta-sisterol, betaine and immune strengthening polysaccharides. One polysaccharide in the berries has been found to induce secretion of rejuvenative growth hormone by the pituitary gland, giving additional credit to its history as revered anti-aging herb. Lycii have long been considered an aphrodisiac and fertility booster; clinical studies have shown them to significantly raise testosterone levels in elderly men. Considered a mild antidepressant, prolonged daily use promotes cheerfulness, vitality and clarity. Utilized in oriental medicine to tonify and protect the kidneys and liver, nourish the blood and improve vision. Modern research shows these delicious berries to greatly enhance the immune system, balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and build muscle. Lycii berries are a favorite of the medal winning Chinese Olympic swim team. They have been demonstrated to significantly increase levels of the potent antioxidant superoxide dismutase in the body and they are now being thoroughly scrutinized for their anti-cancer activity. Lycii berries are also gaining popularity as an anti-obesity herb because of their ability to stimulate the metabolism to burn excess body fat. Lycii berries are one of the simplest herbs to use, they are very sweet and tasty, and can be used in food preparation and cooking just like raisins. Try rehydrating them by soaking in water. Popular blended in smoothies or mixed into oatmeal and cereal. Traditionally, the berries are boiled in light wine, then this is used as broth stock in soup. A famed longevity tea is made from equal parts lycii and schizandra berries. An excellent liver cleanse and tonic can be made in the blender with 1/4 cup soaked berries, 1 tablespoon ground milk thistle seed, 1 teaspoon chlorella powder and 2 cups apple juice. We love to chew these delightful berries as snacks by the handful daily. One half to one ounce (1/8 - 1/4 cup) a day is the recommended intake. Eating more during the cold and flu season is advised. Unfortunately, most dried lycii berries are treated with sulfur dioxide as a preservative. As with all of our herbs, we have taken time to search out high grade sulfur free berries that are grown in the mountains of Ning Xia, China without the use of any pesticides or other chemicals. Tibetan Goji Berries are a true "super" raw food of the highest type. It takes approximately 3 kilos (6.6 lbs) of fresh berries to make 1/2 kilo (18 oz) of dryed. That's a lot of berries. Please respect that the raw Goji Berry is a nutritionally dense, medicinal food. A therapeutic dose would be 1 to 2 handfuls or 10 to 30 grams per day however more can be eaten depending on individual needs. These raw goji berry treats are a great source of protein too. Nutritional Facts: 1/4 Cup Serving (Approx. 1 oz, 28 g), Calories 90, Fat 0g, Fiber 4g, Protein 4g, Carbs 24g, Sugars 12g, Vitamin A 180%, Vitamin C 30%, Calcium 9% and Iron 15% Whole, chemical free Chinese Lycii berries |