False ginseng is named after its main root, which is thick and resembles ginseng. Therefore, it is also known as "soil ginseng". It is believed to have the function of nourishing the body and can be used as medicine, food, and ornamental plants.
【Medicinal Uses of False Ginseng】
1. Treats hot cough caused by lung heat
Boil nine grams of false ginseng, mulberry bark, and loquat leaves with three grams of licorice in water, then remove the residue and take the medicinal liquid to help eliminate phlegm, clear lung heat, and stop coughing.
2. Nourishes yin and replenishes deficiency
False ginseng has a strong nourishing function, especially for yin deficiency in the body. When treating yin deficiency, false ginseng can be sliced and simmered with Poria cocos to make a paste, which can effectively treat yin deficiency.
3. Treats deficient spleen and diarrhea
When suffering from deficient spleen and diarrhea, with reduced appetite, stuffiness and discomfort in the epigastrium after meals, and loose or watery stools that do not digest grain properly, you can boil five to ten grams of false ginseng with five to ten grams of Chinese date and take it orally.
【Uses of False Ginseng】
1. Food
After washing the stems and leaves, they can be stir-fried or boiled for soup. The tender stems and leaves can be pickled with salt to make pickles for easy consumption.
2. Medicinal
The fresh stems and leaves can be mashed and applied externally to treat swelling and toxins. The whole plant has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, nourishes the spleen and lungs, stops coughing, regulates menstruation, and relieves diarrhea. The leaves can promote lactation and relieve swelling and toxins.
3. Ornamental
It can be used for flower beds and rockery planting, and can also be used as a potted plant.
【Cultivation of False Ginseng】
1. Watering
It is drought-tolerant. For potted plants in summer, regular watering is necessary during the growing season, but the substrate should be allowed to dry completely before watering again, without excessive watering. In winter, it should be kept dry with low grain demand. It responds well to fertilizers.
2. Light
Full sunlight to light shade. The plant has more colors and grows more compactly in sunlight. Under shady conditions, the plant is softer and more elegant.
3. Soil
In cultivation, it prefers well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter, but it adapts to most soil types, preferably not too heavy; good drainage is desirable.
