Tu Ren Shen, also known as False Ginseng or Water Ginseng, is a type of Chinese herbal medicine that belongs to the category of tonics. It has the functions of invigorating the spleen, nourishing the lungs, and replenishing qi. Tu Ren Shen has high nutritional value and is widely used in various fields.
1. Medicinal Use
False Ginseng can be used externally as a poultice for swelling and inflammation. The whole plant has the effects of diuresis, reducing swelling, invigorating the spleen, nourishing the lungs, relieving cough, and regulating menstruation. It is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, damp-heat jaundice, internal hemorrhoids bleeding, insufficient milk production, infantile malnutrition, vesicular skin lesions, spleen deficiency fatigue, pulmonary tuberculosis with coughing blood, and irregular menstruation. It can also be applied externally to treat red and swollen eyes.
The leaves can promote lactation and reduce swelling and toxicity. They are used to treat urinary difficulties and swollen hemorrhoids.
2. Culinary Use
The stems and leaves can be washed and stir-fried or cooked into soup. The tender stems and leaves of False Ginseng can be washed and pickled with salt to make pickled vegetables, which can be consumed at any time.
Historically, the roots of False Ginseng were harvested for medicinal use. The roots are tonics that replenish qi, invigorate the spleen, and moisten the lungs. The leaves can reduce swelling and detoxify, and are used to treat boils and abscesses. In recent years, the thick and tender stems and leaves of False Ginseng have been harvested and consumed as vegetables, which are highly popular among consumers.
3. Ornamental Use
False Ginseng can be used for flower beds and rock gardens, as well as for potted plants.
Originally, False Ginseng was a garden ornamental plant. It was introduced to Taiwan about eighty years ago and has since multiplied in large numbers. Except for the coldest one or two months in winter, False Ginseng can be harvested throughout the year.
