Winter is the perfect time for nourishment, and using Ren Shen (Ginseng) wisely can help treat deficiency, nourish the five organs, balance body and mind, and promote longevity. There are many ways to consume ginseng, such as ginseng-infused liquor, ginseng stewed chicken, ginseng tea, and ginseng capsules. However, most people are unaware that these common methods also hide traps and misconceptions.
Today’s Physician
Wu Huan
Associate Chief Physician
Affiliated Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Associate Chief
Member of the Medical Popularization Committee of Shanghai Medical Association
The Most Effective Ways to Consume Ginseng
Ginseng is a top-grade tonic, non-toxic and harmless. However, consuming ginseng requires careful consideration, as there are many varieties with different effects and contraindications. Proper consumption can protect the five organs and prolong life, while incorrect consumption may have the opposite effect and even worsen conditions. So how should ginseng be consumed for the best nourishing effects?
Fresh Ginseng Stewed Soup
You must have tried the popular “Ginseng Stewed Chicken Soup” made with fresh ginseng. This type of ginseng is relatively young, usually under two years old, so consuming a whole piece will not cause overheating or bloating. You can use the same stewing method for Ginseng Stewed Pork Ribs Soup, Ginseng Stewed Pigeon Soup, and Ginseng Stewed Old Duck Soup. Perfect for entertaining friends and family during holidays, both nourishing and delicious.
Tips:SliceGinseng for stewing soup for better effects. Fresh Ginseng Infused in Liquor
Fresh ginseng infused in medicinal liquor allows the liquor to absorb the medicinal properties of ginseng, providing effects of calming the mind, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the lungs. Ginseng is beneficial for the liver, enhancing liver enzyme activity, allowing the liver to metabolize alcohol quickly. The combination creates a wonderful synergy. Raw Dried Ginseng: A Treasure All Over
Raw dried ginseng is the king of qi tonics, with effects of greatly replenishing original qi, calming the mind, and enhancing intelligence, making it the primary remedy for deficiency syndrome. It has various medicinal effects throughout its entire body. Ginseng Root for Treating Hemorrhoids
The ginseng root is also a medicinal herb, Ginseng Root has the effects of tonifying qi and uplifting energy. When acute hemorrhoids occur without bleeding, drinking water infused with ginseng root can alleviate symptoms. Root Slices for Qi Supplementation and Longevity Slice the body of raw dried ginseng, steam until soft, dry in the shade, and store sealed. It can be frozen in the refrigerator. Taking 3 grams daily, either by sucking or drinking as tea, can achieve qi supplementation and heart strengthening. Ginseng Hairs for Health Maintenance During the Spring Festival, it is easy to overeat. Drinking a Hawthorn Ginseng Drink can help regulate qi and aid digestion.
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Ginseng Hairs3 grams
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Hawthorn12 grams
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Dried Tangerine Peel6 grams
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Licorice6 grams
Boil together for 15 minutes before drinking.
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Ginseng can lower blood sugar, promote insulin secretion, enhance metabolism, and reduce blood lipids.
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Dried Tangerine Peel can regulate qi, relieve gas, and alleviate the bloating caused by ginseng.
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Hawthorn can promote gastric digestion and invigorate blood circulation.
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Licorice, known as the harmonizer in TCM, can harmonize various herbs together, allowing multiple herbal medicines to integrate and exert better effects.
Click the video to learn the specific method of making Hawthorn Ginseng Drink.↓↓↓ Western Ginseng: Avoid This Mistake
Besides sucking and making capsules, many people are accustomed to brewing it as tea. However, the common “Western Ginseng and Red Date Tea” is actually incorrect.
Western ginseng and red dates have opposing properties and are not suitable for brewing together.
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Western Ginseng nourishes yin, tonifies qi, clears heat, and generates fluids.
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Red Dates are warm in nature, tonifying the middle and benefiting qi, nourishing blood, and calming the mind.
Western Ginseng and Goji Berry Tea is a good choice. Goji berries nourish yin, support the liver and kidneys, and improve vision, and brewing them together with Western ginseng can enhance their effects. Red Ginseng: A Great Medicine for Heart Strengthening in Winter
Red Ginseng slices can be stewed or used to make a nourishing medicinal dish, healthy and delicious. Red Ginseng Hairs can be boiled in water for tea; taking three grams daily can warm and tonify yang, enhance myocardial activity, relieve fatigue, and boost immunity.
Debunking Four Major Misconceptions About Ginseng
1. Can people with high blood pressure consume ginseng?
Modern pharmacological studies show that ginseng has a dual effect on hypertension. Taking small doses of ginseng (1-2 grams) can raise blood pressure, while taking large doses can lower it. Therefore, patients with hypertension can consume ginseng, but should start with small doses while monitoring blood pressure. If blood pressure rises, discontinue ginseng.
2. Can ginseng be consumed during a cold or fever?
In ancient China, many herbal remedies for colds and fevers contained ginseng, such as “Shen Su Decoction” and “Bai Du San”. Therefore, ginseng can be consumed during colds and fevers, but attention should be paid to dosage and usage, following medical advice.
3. Can patients with nodules consume ginseng?
The incidence of thyroid nodules, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids is increasing yearly. These nodules and masses are caused by hormones, and ginseng contains no hormones, so it can be continued.
4. Can ginseng and radish be consumed together?
Ginseng should not be consumed with raw radish, as the two will counteract the beneficial effects of ginseng. However, ginseng can be consumed with cooked radish. Cooked radish can promote metabolism and accelerate intestinal peristalsis. Consuming ginseng followed by cooked radish can aid absorption.
For more details, please watch today’s
“The Nourishing Path of Ginseng” airing
Broadcast Time
Eastern Satellite TV
Monday to Friday 17:20
Guiding units of this program: Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Shanghai Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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