Shao Nainai, Ma Nainai, Sha Nai Cao, Yang Bu Nai Guo are all alternative names for the vegetable known as Dishao Gua. Its name varies in different regions. Due to its high nutritional value and delicious taste, it has gained popularity among the public. Let's take a look at the pictures and the nutritional and medicinal value of Dishao Gua.
Dishao Gua picture
[Nutritional value of Dishao Gua]
Dishao Gua is nutritionally balanced and can be used for both food and medicine. It grows vigorously and is less susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, it is considered a green food and nutritious vegetable. It has been consumed raw since ancient times, and it is also enjoyed after being washed and cold mixed, making it even more delicious and favored by local residents.
Dishao Gua can be eaten when it is tender, but not when it is slightly older. When it matures, it will burst open and release fluffy seeds, similar to dandelion seeds. Its stems are slender, with low lignification, and have a soft texture, which is beneficial for livestock feeding.
Dishao Gua is favored by camels, goats, and sheep when it is fresh and green. These animals especially like to eat its tender pods. After drying, the leaves fall off and its palatability decreases.
In terms of chemical composition, Dishao Gua has high nutritional value. Its protein content is close to that of purple clover and is comparable to wheat bran. It is also rich in crude fat and ash.
In particular, its calcium content is relatively high, close to the level of common leguminous forage grass. It contains very little indigestible nutrient crude fiber. Dishao Gua not only has a relatively rich protein content, but also has good protein quality.
Dishao Gua picture
[Medicinal value of Dishao Gua]
Dishao Gua, also known as Sha Nai Cao in Chinese medicine, contains rubber (1.5%) and resin (3.6%) in its entire plant, which can be used as industrial raw materials. Its young fruits are edible and its seeds can be used as filling material.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Dishao Gua is believed to have the effects of clearing deficient fire, nourishing qi, generating body fluids, and promoting lactation. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as deficient fire causing inflammation, sore throat, insufficient qi and yin, fatigue and forgetfulness, restlessness and thirst, dizziness and insomnia, postpartum weakness, and insufficient breast milk.
"Inner Mongolia Herbal Medicine": "Clears heat, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes lactation. It is used to treat blocked breast milk and sore throat."
"Qingdao Herbal Medicine Manual": "Mainly used for deficiency of qi and blood, neurasthenia, and swollen and painful throat."
"National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicines": "Tonifies qi, promotes lactation. Mainly used for deficiency of the body and insufficient breast milk. Externally used to treat warts."
Dishao Gua picture
[Cultivation of Dishao Gua]
Dishao Gua is a drought-resistant plant that can grow in various grassland vegetation from typical grasslands to grassland desertification areas in northern China.
Dishao Gua mainly grows on sandy and gravelly soils, but it can also grow on loamy soils. It can be found on slopes, sand dunes, dry valleys, wastelands, field edges, and other places at altitudes ranging from 200 to 2000 meters.
Dishao Gua has strong adaptability to the environment and has characteristics such as cold resistance, heat resistance, resistance to barrenness, resistance to cold, resistance to strong light, and easy management.
It naturally grows on the edge of forests, grass clusters, rocky slopes, and sandy beaches. It can be planted in general sandy soil, loamy soil, water ditches, corners of fields, and between large crops.
It grows well in fertile soil. When grown in shaded conditions, the plants grow vigorously, with green leaves and crisp and tender fruits. It can be intercropped with large and early-maturing crops.
