The Goji vine is found in the Himalayas. In China, naturopaths have long utilized the healing powers of the goji berry in traditional medicine for a wide variety of purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as the fruit of immortality, and is thought to impart strength and focus to those who eat it. The plant is also used for medical purposes in Tibet, Nepal, and India.
Legend has it that, in the Tang Dynasty, a well beside a Buddhist Temple, covered in goji vines, was a source of health for those who drank its water. Over time, berries from the vines dropped into the water and imparted their life-giving essence. The people who used this well had healthy bodies, good teeth, strong bones, and lived well into old age. People who traveled to this well learned of its secrets, took goji plants home, and planted them in their own gardens. In this way, the legend of this health-giving fruit was spread to other lands and passed on through generations.
Today, goji berries are recognized for their health benefits as well as their wonderful taste. They are most often consumed in juice form, which is convenient as well as delicious. Many people who drink goji juice today profess the same benefits as those who drank it in the Tang Dynasty: health, well-being, and vitality.