Chinese herbal medicine False Ginseng, also known as Soil Ginseng, is the root of the plant Lulan in the Amaranthaceae family. It is named False Ginseng because its main root is thick and resembles Ginseng. False Ginseng is highly valued and can be used medicinally, consumed as food, and used as a potted plant for ornamentation. But how can we distinguish the quality of False Ginseng?
Image of False Ginseng
【Benefits and Functions of False Ginseng Leaves】
False Ginseng has the effect of invigorating the spleen and moistening the lungs, stopping cough, and regulating menstruation. It is used to treat spleen deficiency fatigue, diarrhea, lung fatigue with bloody cough, dizziness, hot flashes, night sweats, irregular menstruation, and excessive vaginal discharge.
Its main functions are on the spleen and lung meridians: it has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and has certain therapeutic effects on qi deficiency and weakness, spleen deficiency diarrhea, lung dryness cough, and neurasthenia.
It can nourish the body, generate fluids, calm the mind, and strengthen the heart. It is used to treat deficiency of qi and blood, excessive sweating due to weakness, collapse and exhaustion, and low blood pressure. It can also moisturize the lungs and stop cough, treating pulmonary tuberculosis and dry heat cough.
It can invigorate the spleen and supplement deficiencies, treating spleen deficiency fatigue and diarrhea. It can clear heat and stop sweating, treating dizziness, hot flashes, and night sweats. It can also regulate menstruation and stop excessive vaginal discharge, treating irregular menstruation and white discharge.
【How to Distinguish the Quality of False Ginseng】
When taking Ginseng, one should gradually increase the dosage and observe the effects over time, avoiding large quantities at the beginning.
Generally, the recommended daily dosage for dried and sun-dried Panax ginseng is 3 grams, and for Western ginseng, it should not exceed 5 grams per day.
Image of False Ginseng
To distinguish the quality of False Ginseng, look for the following characteristics: thick branches, long leaves, thin skin, tender yellow color, fine and dense veins, plump and full appearance, sufficient sap, and no injuries.
【How to Cook False Ginseng】
False Ginseng is a high-quality, nutritious, and safe to eat green vegetable, free from contamination. It is also a type of leafy vegetable that has emerged in recent years. The tender stems and leaves of False Ginseng are crisp, smooth, and delicious, and can be stir-fried or used in soups. The meaty root can be cold mixed or stewed with meat for medicinal cuisine.
1. False Ginseng with Oyster Sauce and Ginger: Boil 250 grams of False Ginseng in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cool it with cold water. Heat the oil in a pan, add ginger and False Ginseng, stir-fry for half a minute, then add oyster sauce and season.
2. False Ginseng with Ginger and Garlic: Blanch the tender stems and leaves of False Ginseng in boiling water for a moment, then cool it with cold water. Heat the oil in a pan, add minced garlic and ginger, then add False Ginseng and stir-fry, season.
3. False Ginseng Rib Soup: Cook the ribs and add False Ginseng, season. Cold mix False Ginseng root: Remove the outer layer of the root and tear it into shredded pieces. Add a little vinegar, sugar, sesame, salt, and chili shreds according to personal taste, mix well and season.
4. False Ginseng Root Stewed with Ribs: Cook the meaty root and ribs, add an appropriate amount of wolfberries, stew with water, season.
