What Is the Difference Between Maimendong and Maidong? One Article Explains the Differences Between the Two

The names maimendong and maidong are very similar, with maimendong having just one extra character. Both are Chinese medicinal herbs that can be used as medicine, so are they different? Below we explain the difference between maimendong and maidong.

1. The Difference Between Maimendong and Maidong

There is no difference between maimendong and maidong. Maidong, also called maimendong or lilyturf, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Ophiopogon of the family Liliaceae. Its dried tuberous roots can be used as medicine; it has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, benefiting the stomach and promoting fluid production, and clearing the heart and relieving restlessness. It is often used for dry cough due to lung dryness, lung abscess, consumptive cough due to yin deficiency, thirst from fluid damage, wasting-thirst, restlessness and insomnia, sore throat, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and vomiting of blood or epistaxis due to blood heat.

2. Where Is Maidong Produced?

Maidong is native to China and is cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui, Henan, Shaanxi (southern part) and Hebei (south of Beijing); it is also distributed in Japan, Vietnam and India. It grows in shaded and damp places in mountain slopes and grass clusters, under forests or beside streams below 2000 m in altitude.

3. How Much Does Maidong Cost per Jin?

The price of maidong differs depending on the place of production and the market. According to information provided by Kangmei Chinese Medicine Network, the prices of maidong on October 15, 2019 were as follows:

1. Maidong (general grade, Zhejiang): sold at 44 yuan/kg in the Anguo market and 46 yuan/kg in the Lianqiao market.

2. Maidong (general grade, Sichuan): sold at 50 yuan/kg in the Bozhou market, 55 yuan/kg in the Anguo market, 55 yuan/kg in the Chengdu market, 57 yuan/kg in the Yulin market, 55 yuan/kg in the Lianqiao market, and 58 yuan/kg in the Puning market.

3. Maidong (general grade, Hubei): sold at 40 yuan/kg in the Bozhou market, 42 yuan/kg in the Anguo market, 42 yuan/kg in the Chengdu market, 41 yuan/kg in the Yulin market, 40 yuan/kg in the Lianqiao market, and 42 yuan/kg in the Puning market.