Polygonatum Ink Rice Wine

Polygonatum Ink Rice Wine

　　Polygonatum Ink Rice Wine

　　Polygonatum: Abbreviation for Polygonatum odoratum, also known as Polygonatum verticillatum, grows in shaded slopes, cliff faces, among weeds, and under trees. Medicinally, Polygonatum has a mild and moist nature, with a sweet and light taste, is non-toxic and insecticidal; it functions to invigorate the spleen and boost qi, calm the liver and gallbladder, moisten the heart and lungs, benefit the spleen and stomach, raise clear qi, descend turbid qi, nourish essence and marrow, strengthen muscles and bones, relieve rheumatism, reduce internal heat, moisten the intestines, promote urination, improve vision and hearing. The Compendium of Materia Medica states: “Taking (Polygonatum), regardless of the amount, even one day without interruption can restore youthfulness.” The Qing Dynasty edition of the Tai Shan County Annals quotes Tao Hongjing as referring to it as “the immortal’s leftover grain.”

　　Ink rice, also known as black glutinous rice, gets its name from its dark purple husk and grains. Ink rice contains up to 18 types of amino acids.

　　The Compendium of Materia Medica praises it as “nourishing yin and kidney, strengthening the spleen and warming the liver, improving vision and invigorating blood circulation.” Hence, it is known as the “medicinal rice,” a treasured food-medicine fusion product from the world’s longevity regions.

　　After multiple tests on ink rice by Guangxi University, the Guangxi Academy of Light Industry, and domestic and international experts, it was found to contain up to 18 types of essential amino acids, especially high in threonine and lysine. It has higher levels of crude protein, crude fat, thiamine, riboflavin, and mineral nutrients compared to other rice varieties. In addition, ink rice is rich in fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutritional components, offering benefits such as nourishing yin and spleen, warming the liver, improving vision, and promoting blood circulation.

　　Besides being used as a tonic for postpartum women, the weak, the elderly, it can also treat general injuries, rheumatism, and more, hence it is also called “medicinal rice.” Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica and ancient medical texts detail: “Ink rice nourishes yin and kidney, strengthens the spleen and warms the liver, boosts qi and enriches blood, promotes fluid production and improves vision, strengthens muscles and bones, aids bowel movements and stops diarrhea, resists aging and preserves complexion.”

　　Long-term consumption can resist aging, preserve youthfulness, and enhance health and longevity, which is why ancient royal courts listed ink rice as a top tribute rice.