False ginseng, also known as wild ginseng or soil ginseng, is a common wild plant. It is the rhizome of the wild plant Lulan and has a strong vitality. It looks similar to ginseng. Now let's learn about the cultivation methods of false ginseng!
Image of false ginseng
【The Efficacy and Functions of False Ginseng】
False ginseng can be used in its entirety for medicinal purposes. It has a sweet and neutral nature, is non-toxic, and has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It has certain therapeutic effects on conditions such as qi deficiency and fatigue, spleen deficiency and diarrhea, lung dryness and cough, and neurasthenia.
It can tonify the primordial qi, generate fluid, calm the mind, and strengthen the heart. It is used to treat deficiency of qi and blood, excessive sweating due to deficiency, exhaustion and collapse, and low blood pressure. Although false ginseng is not as prestigious as ginseng, it is still a good medicinal herb with nourishing and tonifying effects.
The tender leaves of false ginseng are a delicious wild vegetable in spring. They can be harvested and used to make various dishes. The taste is smooth and has a hint of the flavor of wood ear mushrooms. Eating the tender leaves of false ginseng also has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing internal heat.
In rural areas, false ginseng is often used as a remedy for insufficient lactation: fresh leaves of false ginseng are picked and stir-fried in oil as a dish, which has a good lactation-promoting effect.
To treat abscesses and swelling, fresh leaves of false ginseng are mashed and applied to the affected area with red sugar. This can have the effect of reducing inflammation, dispersing stasis, and eliminating viruses.
To treat fatigue and weakness, when feeling mentally exhausted and frequently experiencing fatigue and weakness in the limbs, you can use 15-30 grams of false ginseng and a dried squid, stewed with alcohol, and consumed.
Image of false ginseng
【The Application Value of False Ginseng】
False ginseng can be eaten and not only has medicinal value but is also great for consumption. It can also be used for ornamental purposes.
1. Consumption
After washing the stems and leaves, they can be stir-fried or boiled for consumption. The tender stems and leaves can be pickled with salt to make pickles for easy use.
2. Medicinal Use
The fresh stems and leaves can be mashed and applied externally to treat swelling and toxins. The whole plant of false ginseng has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, tonifies the spleen, moistens the lungs, stops coughing, and regulates menstruation.
It is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, damp-heat jaundice, internal hemorrhoids bleeding, insufficient lactation, infantile malnutrition, yellow vesicles, spleen deficiency and fatigue, pulmonary tuberculosis with coughing blood, and irregular menstruation. It can also be used externally to treat red, swollen, and painful eyes. The leaves can promote lactation, reduce swelling, and eliminate toxins. They can also be used to treat urinary retention and hemorrhoids.
3. Ornamental Use
It can be used for flower beds and rockery planting, or as a potted plant.
Image of false ginseng
【The Cultivation Methods of False Ginseng】
1. Propagation by Cuttings
When propagating false ginseng by cuttings, it is generally recommended to choose fully mature branches. The cuttings should be about 10 centimeters long, with a planting depth of 5 centimeters. It is best to choose new soil or sterilized nutrient soil for the seedbed.
False ginseng can be propagated by cuttings throughout the growing season, but it is best from late March to mid-October. In summer, it is recommended to propagate in a shade net to improve survival rate.
Generally, the cuttings can take root and survive after about 1 week. After 10 days, they should be lightly fertilized with manure water or compound fertilizer water to strengthen the seedlings. They can be transplanted to the field after 15-20 days of cutting.
2. Seed Propagation
The seeds of false ginseng are small, with thick and hard shells. Generally, untreated seeds take 20-25 days to germinate. Before sowing, soak the seeds in water at a temperature of 30-40°C for 2 days to ensure smooth germination.
Since the seeds of false ginseng are very small and avoid soil compaction, well-structured sandy loam should be selected. If the soil has high stickiness, it is recommended to use organic fertilizers, sand, and slag to improve soil structure. Before sowing, water the soil fully, and during sowing, use fine soil to retain moisture.
In summer, it is necessary to have rich organic matter and loose and fertile bed soil. The seedbed can be covered with shade nets or mulch to prevent soil compaction. The temperature and humidity should be maintained during the seedling stage.
