https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/A4PeQB2Vq1CW8xtc-5KQOA
Everyone is welcome to share their experiences with the herbal medicines in the replies, making it easier for others to search and learn.
424. Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum)
Has the aroma of KFC fried chicken wings; after soaking in water, the taste is crispy and refreshing.
The water it soaks in also carries the scent of KFC fried chicken wings.
Confirmed effects: clears dust and turbidity, removing the “dust” in the body (metabolic waste, inflammatory factors, immune deposits). A certain amount needs to be consumed to be effective. For the single herb Yu Zhu, use 60g with 1.2-1.5L of water; for the compound formula, use 20g mulberry, 20g goji berries, and 10g Yu Zhu with 1.2-1.5L of water. Mulberry and goji are responsible for moisturizing and lubricating, while Yu Zhu is responsible for cleansing.
371. Ren Shen (Ginseng)
Purely sweet, basically not bitter, very pleasant to drink; mainly benefits the heart, with some support for spleen and lung function, but less so for liver and kidney.
Confirmed effects: accelerates metabolism. The advantage of ginseng is that it comes with an energy pack, so the body does not need to expend much energy to process it. Cultivated ginseng primarily provides acquired energy, and older-aged ginseng can provide a certain proportion of innate energy.
Taking the highest content ginsenosides A, B, and C as examples, A and B have hemolytic effects, while C stabilizes the red blood cell membranes. Together, these macroscopically promote apoptosis of weaker red blood cells and allow the younger red blood cells to perform better — thus the term “accelerating metabolism.”
A major difference between ginseng and fuzi (aconite) is that fuzi does not carry an energy pack; it purely mobilizes the body’s energy, transforms yin into yang, and unblocks the meridians, which places a heavy burden on the body. Ginseng is relatively milder — but long-term use of cultivated ginseng is also not ideal because its energy pack is small; it mainly works by stimulating the body’s yang energy to achieve a “qi supplement” effect, effectively taking from Peter to pay Paul.
372. Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng)
Much more bitter than ginseng, with a stronger effect on the heart. The overall efficacy is consistent with ginseng but with a more restrained and gentler style.
Regarding the question of ginseng causing “heat” (fire) and American ginseng not, my experience is that it also depends on how it is used and the combination of the entire formula.
Because ginseng is cheaper, I generally use ginseng up to 15g, and I rarely hear patients complaining about “heat,” so I don’t consider this issue much.