The efficacy and function of Sichuan ginseng

Sichuan ginseng is a very common Chinese medicine. Although it is very common, it has many magical effects. Let’s take a look at it below.

[Other names] Mingshen, Mingshashen, Tumingshen, Adenophora

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of the Umbelliferae plant Chuanmingshen.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 30-150cm tall. The root neck is slender; the root is cylindrical, 7-30cm long, 0.6-1.5cm in diameter, with horizontal ring marks on the top, flat surface, yellow-white to yellow-brown, white in cross section, and sweet in taste. The stem is cylindrical, 2.5-5mm in diameter, much branched, with fine longitudinal stripes, and purple-red at the base. Basal leaves are numerous and rosette-shaped; petiole is 6-18cm long, with broad leaf sheath at base, clasping stem; leaf blade is triangular-ovate in outline, ternately pinnate, with 3-4 pairs of lobes at first, 1-2 pairs of pinnae at second, terminal lobe is ovate or oblong, acuminate at apex, cuneate or rounded at base, irregularly 2-3 lobes or serrated, 2-3cm long, 0.6-2cm wide, smooth and glabrous; leaves on upper stem are few and long-petiolated. The compound umbel is terminal or lateral, 3-10cm in diameter; the involucral bracts are 0-2, linear; the rays are 4-8, 0.5-8cm long; the involucral bracteoles are 0-3, linear; the petals are oblong, dark purple, light purple or white; the calyx teeth are narrow triangular or linear; the style is curved downward. The fruit is oblong, 5-7mm long, 2-4mm wide, dark brown, with linear protrusions on the dorsal and middle ridges, and slightly wider and thickened lateral ridges; there are 2-3 oil tubes in the grooves, 4-6 commissures, and the ventral surface of the endosperm is straight. The flowering period is April-May, and the fruiting period is May-June.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in grass on hillsides or by ditches, mostly cultivated.

[Cultivation] Biological characteristics: It prefers a cool and humid climate, is relatively cold-resistant, and is not resistant to high temperatures. It is best to plant it in sandy loam or loam with deep soil, looseness, fertility and good drainage. Avoid planting it in heavy, wet and gravel-containing soil.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The roots are cylindrical, 7-20cm long, 0.5-1.2cm in diameter, and mostly unbranched. The surface is light yellow-brown or gray-brown. The texture is slightly hard, the cross section is floury, the cambium ring is obvious, and small light yellow oil spots can be seen. Slight smell and light taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; slightly bitter; cool in nature

【Meridian】 Lung, stomach, liver meridians

【Functions and indications】Nourishes yin and clears the lungs; strengthens the spleen and ribs. Mainly heat disease damages yin; dry lung cough; spleen deficiency and poor appetite; weakness after illness

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-15g.

【Note】 People with cold and cough should take with caution. Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Annals, 1960 edition: "It should not be used in patients with exogenous cough and no sweat."

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Sichuan ginseng is a common Chinese medicinal material, but it is often forgotten by people. In fact, its effects and functions are beyond your imagination. As long as you are good at eating it and use the right method, I believe it will be of great help to your body.