Pupu
In autumn and winter, nourishing with ginseng is essential, but there are many types of “ginseng” including Ren Shen (Ginseng), Dan Shen (Salvia), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Sha Shen (Glehnia), Hong Shen (Red Ginseng), Xiyang Shen (American Ginseng), and Tai Zi Shen (Prince Ginseng). It can be confusing, but what are their differences? How should they be consumed? Let’s hear what TCM experts have to say.
Source: Health Times, Heilongjiang Traffic Radio, Labor Daily
Ren Shen:
Greatly Tonifies Vital Qi, the First Ginseng for Deficiency
Ren Shen is known for its ability to greatly tonify vital qi, calm the spirit, benefit intelligence, generate fluids, quench thirst, and combat aging, making it one of the most precious tonic herbs. It is indicated for major illnesses, chronic diseases, blood loss, and fluid depletion leading to a desire for vital qi, with symptoms of fatigue and weak pulse. It is also effective for insomnia with dreams, palpitations, forgetfulness, and excessive sweating due to deficiency of heart qi.
However, it is not suitable for those with excess heat or those whose righteous qi is not deficient. Additionally, healthy children should avoid Ren Shen and similar tonics to prevent precocious puberty, which can hinder normal healthy development.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. When stewing, slice the ginseng and place it in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of water, seal the bowl, and steam it in a pot for 1-2 hours;
2. For sucking, slice the ginseng thinly and place it in the mouth to suck;
3. For infusion, crush the ginseng and place it in a tea bag, put it in a cup, add boiling water, and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
Dan Shen:
Invigorates Blood and Resolves Stasis
Dan Shen is an excellent herb for invigorating blood and resolving stasis, with effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, clearing the heart, alleviating irritability, and nourishing blood to calm the spirit. There are many preparations made from Dan Shen, commonly including Dan Shen drop pills and compound Dan Shen tablets.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. For Dan Shen wine, use Dan Shen slices along with saffron and other herbs, and soak in white liquor for about half a month before drinking. It is best not to drink too much daily, controlling the frequency and amount;
2. Women can brew Dan Shen and motherwort tea in daily life. Take appropriate Dan Shen slices and motherwort, and brew with hot water. It can be steeped multiple times but should not be consumed overnight.
Dang Shen:
Tonifies Qi and Blood
Dang Shen is known for its ability to tonify blood and qi, particularly effective for lung qi deficiency. It can be used for various conditions of qi deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness in limbs, poor appetite, loose stools, and susceptibility to colds.
Modern research suggests that Dang Shen can treat anemia and enhance the body’s resistance.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. Use Dang Shen and goji berries to make soup, with 30 grams of Dang Shen, 30 grams of goji berries, and 150 grams of chicken. It is indicated for qi and blood deficiency and poor appetite;
2. Cook Dang Shen, goji berries, and pig liver porridge, with 20 grams of Dang Shen, 30 grams of goji berries, 50 grams of pig liver, and 60 grams of glutinous rice. It is indicated for liver and kidney deficiency, fatigue, and dizziness.
Sha Shen:
Nourishes Yin, Clears the Lungs, Resolves Phlegm, and Stops Cough
Sha Shen can be divided into southern and northern varieties, with similar effects. Northern Sha Shen is suitable for chronic cough due to lung qi and yin deficiency; southern Sha Shen is suitable for sore throat after febrile diseases.
Best Ways to Consume——
Take 50 grams of Sha Shen, 25 grams each of Yuzhu, lotus seeds, and lily, along with one egg, and boil into a soup. All the herbs used in this soup are known for their ability to moisten the lungs, nourish yin, and strengthen the spleen and stomach, helping to nourish yin, clear heat, and stop cough.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. There are many daily consumption methods, such as brewing tea or grinding into powder to swallow. Generally, for safety, 1-2 grams daily is sufficient; too much may cause excess heat;
2. Cook porridge, slice red ginseng, and add a small amount during breakfast porridge;
3. Chew, slice red ginseng thinly, and chew in the mouth for qi tonification and refreshing effects.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. Use Xiyang Shen slices to brew water as a tea substitute, using 1-3 slices each time, and brew with warm water, consuming the slices afterward;
2. For those working in high temperatures during summer, sucking on Xiyang Shen slices can help prevent heatstroke.
It can also enhance immune function, strengthening the body’s defense against various harmful stimuli and boosting metabolism.
Best Ways to Consume——
1. Tai Zi Shen can be soaked in water, with the best water temperature at 90°C, using 10 grams each time as a tea substitute;
2. Tai Zi Shen can be crushed and placed in a bag, using 6-10 grams as a tea substitute. Even so, many effective components may not be extracted during soaking, so it is recommended to use a thermos to steep it for maximum effect.
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