Stinky ginseng

Stinky ginseng

　　Yunnan ginseng, a perennial deciduous slender climbing plant of the ginseng family, is found only in Yunnan. Its roots have a distinctive odor and are used by locals as an affordable tonic. When stewed with meat, chicken, or spareribs, it helps invigorate the spleen, regulate qi, and promote saliva production. Locally in Yunnan, it is also called “stinky medicine” or “stinky ginseng.”

　　As a special vegetable loved by people of all ages, stinky ginseng is highly favored by urban and rural residents. According to relevant sources, besides replenishing weakness and benefiting the stomach, stinky ginseng also has the following medicinal effects:

　　(1) Treating asthma: Stew an appropriate amount of fresh stinky ginseng with chicken, avoid salt, and eat it in portions after it becomes tender. Stinky medicine is also known as Yunnan ginseng.

　　(2) Treating nocturia: Stew 30 grams of fresh stinky ginseng with 500 grams of fresh pork until very tender, and consume in portions.

　　(3) Treating soreness in the waist and weakness in the legs: Stew 100 grams of fresh stinky ginseng with 500 grams of fresh meat until very tender, and eat in two portions.

　　(4) Treating spontaneous sweating: Stew an appropriate amount of fresh stinky ginseng with 15 grams of astragalus and 5 jujubes until very tender, drink the soup, and eat the stinky ginseng.

　　Stinky ginseng is a specialty medicinal plant from the high mountain forests of Yunnan, with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Including wild varieties, its resources are abundant.

　　In addition to basic nutritional components, the roots are rich in vitamin B and trace elements, especially vitamin B, which is 3–84 times higher in content compared to other edible or medicinal root vegetables. Scientific research shows that stinky ginseng can replenish qi and blood, unblock meridians, and aid digestion, mainly due to the pharmacologically active component, vitamin B. Considering its resource advantages, ecological benefits, market potential, and scientific findings, stinky ginseng holds significant value for development and utilization.