dwarf lilyturf, mondograss, fountainplant, monkeygrass

The tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus is the cardinal herb for yin deficiency. This plant can live for a few months underwater before it dies.

Ophiopogon japonicus is the species of this plant most commonly used in Oriental herbal medicine. It is useful in treating intestinal, kidney, and liver problems. It has been found to stimulate the production of milk in nursing mothers and to reduce inflammation. It has cough suppressing properties, and is used in treating nearly all lung-related illnesses, including bronchitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), sore throat, laryngitis, and cough. A chemical present in the plant has shown effectiveness in the treatment of lung tumors. It is also used to treat fever, constipation, and stomach problems.