Mai Men Dong
Also known as: Ophiopogon japonicus, ophiopogon tuber.
Mai Men Dong is included because the protocol keeps the full fluid-generation branch intact for dry recovery patterns, but it stays Tier 4 because the justification is mechanistic and traditional rather than trial-backed.
Where this fits in the system
What it does
Mai Men Dong is for the recovery state that feels desert-dry rather than swollen or inflamed. It is a specific TCM support herb, not a core protocol driver.
How it works
Where it fits
This belongs on mornings where dryness dominates: dry mouth, scratchy throat, and a sense that plain water is not enough. That is why it appears in Debrief and Mayday only.
Buying guidance
Tea-cut root or a basic extract from a reputable TCM vendor is sufficient. Keep it in the optional layer and do not confuse it with actual rehydration.
Deep science · Mai Men Dong — deep dive
Why it is Tier 4
The herb is preserved because the long-tail research layer matters. It stays clearly optional because the evidence is not on the same level as the core stack.