The ancient Chinese had three cherished tonics for health - ginseng, ling tzi and the chinese (ningxia) wolfberry, commonly called Goji berries. Royalty alone was allowed access to ginseng; ling tzi was difficult to find; but the Goji berry was readily available, and those who ate them daily lived long, healthy lives.

Goji berry legends have been found in Chinese texts from over 5,000 years ago. In these texts, goji berries are extolled for: Strengthening the eyes, liver and kidneys Supporting the blood Fortifying muscles and bones Strengthening bones and ligaments (when taken long-term) [1] Enhancing the “qi” (chi) or life force.

The physician’s handbook, Ben Cao Gang Mu, written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) reported that “taking in Chinese [ningxia] wolfberry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity.”

Li Shiz Hen, a Chinese physician, wrote in the Physician’s handbook (1593AD) that “the Bao Shu Herb store recorded a [ningxia] wolfberry elixir that promotes longevity….The formula was passed to an elderly man….who lived for over a hundred years. This man could walk extremely fast, as if he were flying, and his gray hair turned black again. The herb is mellow and can be taken often to eliminate excessive heat in the body, and will also improve vision.”

Another ancient medical work records goji berry benefits as ranging from replenishing vital essences to strengthening and restoring major organs. [2]

More recent studies by the Chinese government have shown that goji berries are extremely useful for supporting the immune system, liver, blood and vision. [1,3,4,5]

There is an extraordinary place where mineral rich soil and pure glacial water produce one of nature’s true miracles – the superior Ningxia Wolfberry (pronounced “Ning-sha”). This simple red goji berry is widely known as the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. In 1993 Gary Young (the founder of Young Living) met Dr. Songqiao Chao, senior researcher at the Chinese Science Academy. Dr. Chao was conducting research on the Ningxia Wolfberry (a variety of Chinese goji berry from the Elbow Plateau region in the province of Ningxia, near inner Mongolia). The farmers who were eating the Ningxia Wolfberry each day were living remarkably healthy lives for 100+ years. This was 10 to 20 years longer than the average person in the region. What’s more interesting was that they exhibited none of the typical “western” diseases.

Dr. Chao’s research revealed that of the 80 different species of goji berries worldwide, the Ningxia Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum v. Ningxia) has by far the highest levels of immune-stimulating polysaccharides of all the goji berries. [6] The Ningxia Wolfberry also contains high levels of Zeaxanthins and Lutein (the eye’s natural sunscreen).

Studies from the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute reveal that the Ningxia Wolfberry contains an abundance of health-promoting constituents including:

	18 amino acids
	21 trace minerals (including calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc)
	29 fatty acids, and 6 essential fatty acids
	Vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and E
	16–17% protein by weight (that’s more protein than bee pollen)
	More beta carotene than carrots
	More calcium than cauliflower
	More vitamin C than oranges
	More natural antioxidant power than any other food yet tested
	Long chain polysaccharides (used by cells for effective cell communication)

Alanine 1,630 mg A M I N O A C I D Lysine 880 mg Arginine 2,110 mg Methionine 340 mg Aspartate 4,760 mg Phenylalanine 860 mg Cystine 270 mg Proline 2,340 mg Glutamine 3,310 mg Serine 1,450 mg Glycine 900 mg Threonine 1,040 mg Histidine 610 mg Tryptophan 250 mg Isoleucine 790 mg Tyrosine 360 mg Leucine 1,430 mg Valine 1,000 mg

Learn about The antioxidant power of the Ningxia Wolfberry
Learn about NingXia Red – a super antioxidant juice based on the Ningxia Wolfberry

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Photos & text on ningxia wolfberry goji berries reproduced with permission from Young Living Essential Oils (Australia) Pty Ltd