Yellow Grass

Yellow Grass

　　Dendrobium, also known as Yellow Grass, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Dendrobium genus in the Orchidaceae family. In traditional Chinese medicine, *Tong Xuan of Herbal Medicine* states, “Dendrobium is sweet and pleasing to the throat, salty and moistening; ancient people used it as a tea substitute, which was very effective in clearing the upper chest.” *Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica* records: “Using Dendrobium as a tea can clear stomach heat, eliminate deficiency fever, promote body fluids, and soothe the throat.” It is mainly used to treat conditions such as lung and stomach yin deficiency and deficiency fever with thirst, and has very good therapeutic effects.

　　 　　Its throat-soothing and vocal-cord-protecting properties enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad. According to reports in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Journal, the renowned broadcaster Song Shixiong’s vocal protection remedy includes drinking Dendrobium tea daily. Famous Peking Opera performers such as Mei Lanfang and Ma Lianliang also frequently consumed beverages made from Dendrobium. Among the limited national production today, the Dendrobium produced in Zhaotong City is especially popular in the market due to its premium quality.

　　 　　The Dendrobium produced in Zhaotong City mainly comes from counties such as Yiliang and Weixin. To meet market demand, in addition to emphasizing the rational development and utilization of this resource, efforts should gradually be made to create conditions for artificial cultivation and expand Dendrobium production.