Source Cochinchinese Asparagus Root is the dried root tuber ofAsparagus cochinchinesis (Lour.) Merr. (Fam. Liliaceae).
Producing Areas Guizhou, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui, Jiangsu and Henan.
Properties Sweet, Bitter, Cold
Channels Lung, Kidney
Action
- Replenishesyin, promotes fluid secretion
Dry throat, thirst and constipation. - Moistens the lungs
Dryness of the lugs marked by dry cough, or paroxysmal cough with sticky sputum. - For deficiency of the spleen and kidneys causing premature greying hair.
- For deficiency of liver and kidney causing blurred vision.
- For hyperactive fire due to deficiency ofyin manifested as red and swollen eyes, ulcer in mouth, painful and swollen throat.
Usage and Dosage
6 – 12g is used in decoction for oral use, or in pills, powder or paste.
Notes Contraindicated for patient with loose stools due to asthenic coldness of the spleen and stomach.
It is shaped like a long spindle or cylinder, slightly curved, 5 – 18cm long, 0.5 – 2cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish white or light yellow brown, translucent, with longitudinal grooves and thin wrinkles. When held up to the light, a thin opaque wooden core is visible. Its broken surface is yellowish white, keratin-like, with thick skin and an apparent yellowish white centre. Tiandong is hard, moist and sticky. The flavour is sweet and slightly bitter. It is light in nature.
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Protect it from mould, moths, oil seeping and colour changing.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Tiandong should be thick in size, yellowish white in colour and translucent.
Black Bean Congee with Asparagus Root
Effects Tonifies the liver and kidneys, replenishesyin, nourishes the blood and blackens hair.
Ingredients
Asparagus root 30g, black beans 30g, black sesame 30g, glutinous rice 60g, rock sugar to taste.
Preparation
1.Rinse the asparagus root, black beans, black sesame and glutinous rice.
2.Place them in a pot with an adequate amount of water and cook as congee. Add rock sugar, boil for a while and serve.
Tips for a Healthy Life
Not suitable for those suffering from deficiency of the spleen, abdominal distension and loose bowels. Avoid eating carp.
Duck and Asparagus Soup with Wolfberry
Effects This dish nourishesyin and moistens the lungs, and is recommended for those suffering heatiness associated with deficientyin.
Ingredients
Mature duck 1, scallion stalks 10, ginger 1 knob, Glehnia root 10g, asparagus 10g, wolfberry 10g, dates 3, liquorice 2g, cooking wine and salt to taste.
Preparation
1.Wash all the ingredients in preparation for use.
2.Blanch the duck in boiling water, then cut into pieces and place in a pot with the scallion stalks, cut ginger and all the herbs.
3.Add an adequate amount of water and stew until the duck becomes tender. Season to taste and serve.
Tips for a Healthy Life
Mature duck is cooling while young duck is warm with a heaty and drying effect. Young duck cannot be substituted for mature duck in this dish.