Source Western Ginseng is the dried root ofPanax quinquefolium L.
Producing Areas It grows mainly in the USA, Canada,and France. Cultivated in China as well.
Properties Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Cold
Channels Lung, Kidney
Action
Nourishesyin and clears heatiness
Tonifies lungyin, clears fire of weakness, promotes saliva and quenches thirst. Corrects deficiency of lung and chronic cough, loss of blood, dry mouth and thirst, tiredness and insomnia, fever due to weakness.
Usage and Dosage
3 – 6g is decocted separately and mixed with other medicines for oral use.
Notes Contraindicated for those suffering cold and 2. dampness in the stomach.
Herbs that react negatively with it: veratrum root.
It is 1.5 – 9cm in length, 0.5 – 3cm in diameter. The main root is in the shape of a cylinder, cone or spindle. Some of them have 2 – 6 legs with fibrous roots. The surface of the skin is light yellow or earth yellow in colour with longitudinal wrinkles, long crosswise pores and crowded thin circles. The broken surface is light yellow white with brown or yellowish brown concentric circles and radial fractures. There are orange or reddish brown dots on its skin part. Xiyangshen is heavy, hard and crisp. It has a special fragrance. Its flavour is slightly bitter and sweet.
Storage
- Keep in cool and dry place.
- Protect it from moisture and moths.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is integrated, thick and solid, with many crosswise lines, delicate fragrance and strong flavour.
Professional Advice
Wild Xiyangshen has earth yellow surface and black crosswise lines which are thin and crowded. It is yellowish white inside and has strong fragrance, and is light in weight.
Fakes: Sunlight-dried Ginseng is often sold as Xiyangshen.
Shredded Chicken with Western Ginseng
Effects
Nourishes qi, replenishesyin and moisturises the body. It is highly beneficial to those who are suffering from heat and dryness of the liver leading to heatiness, shortness of breath, night sweats and weakness of the body.
Ingredients
Chicken breast 200g, cucumber 1, Western ginseng 5g, spring onions and salt to taste.
Preparation
1.Place the Western ginseng in a bowl with a small amount of water and steam for 20 minutes.
2.Shred the chicken breast, steamed ginseng and cucumber into fine strands. Add a small amount of seasonings to the shredded chicken, along with some cooking wine and one egg white. Mix well, add just enough water to moisten, and mix again.
3.Heat oil in a wok and fry the shredded chicken until the meat becomes opaque. Remove the chicken, retaining the oil.
4.Reheat the remaining oil and fry the onions until fragrant. Continue to stir-fry, while adding the shredded cucumber, ginseng, and chicken. Add salt and cooking wine to taste, mixing thoroughly while still frying.
5.Add just enough water to form a small amount of gravy, drizzle fragrant oil over the dish and serve.
Longan and Western Ginseng Drink
Effects
Stimulates circulation, restores vital energy and improves the kidneys. Improves appetite and acts as a sedative.
Ingredients
Longan flesh 40g, Western ginseng 10g, honey to taste.
Preparation
1.Place longan flesh, ginseng and honey in a pot with an adequate amount of water.
2.Stew for 30 minutes and serve.