Introduction to Ginseng, Dangshen, Danggui, and Huangqi and Their Health Benefits

Ginseng, Dangshen, Danggui, and Huangqi are commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs that also possess excellent dietary therapeutic effects. Consuming these herbs as infusions can enhance immune function, improve qi and blood nourishment, and promote physical well-being. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption should be avoided. Let's delve into the specific health benefits of drinking infusions made from these herbs.

Health Benefits of Ginseng, Dangshen, Danggui, and Huangqi Infusions

Drinking infusions made from Ginseng, Dangshen, Danggui, and Huangqi, along with Lycium barbarum (Goji berries), has various benefits including tonifying qi and nourishing yin, promoting the production of saliva, moisturizing the spleen and lungs, nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving vision, strengthening the body, and enhancing immune function. Ginseng is known for its abilities to nourish the lungs, reduce fire, soothe the stomach, promote the production of saliva, tonify qi, and calm the nerves. It is often used to treat symptoms such as insufficient lung yin, deficient heat, asthma, cough with bloody sputum, heat-induced injury to yin with dry cough, and post-illness weakness. Goji berries are renowned for their abilities to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and are commonly used for symptoms such as deficiency of vital essence and qi, soreness and weakness in the loins and knees, vertigo, tinnitus, internal heat with thirst, blood deficiency with pale complexion, and blurred vision. Huangqi primarily functions to tonify qi and strengthen the exterior, promote urination and detoxify, expel pus, stop bleeding, and promote the healing of wounds. It is used for symptoms such as qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite with loose stools, sinking of middle qi, chronic diarrhea with rectal prolapse, hemorrhage with uterine bleeding, spontaneous sweating due to deficiency of the exterior, qi deficiency with edema, difficult healing of abscesses and ulcers, long-term non-healing of ulcers, and internal heat with thirst.

Storage Methods for Ginseng

There are several methods for storing Ginseng effectively:

1. Desiccant Drying Storage: Place an appropriate amount of desiccant such as quicklime, charcoal, or silica gel at the bottom of a sealable jar, cylinder, or box to create a dry environment. Wrap the Ginseng in paper, place it inside the container, and seal tightly to prevent insect infestation and mold growth.
2. Low-Temperature Storage: Place dried Ginseng in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. If the Ginseng is not fully dried, place it in the freezer first to dry it completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.
3. Conventional Storage: For completely dried Ginseng, seal it in a plastic bag to exclude air and store it in a cool, shady place. If there are insects in the Ginseng, gently tap it to remove eggs, excreta, and the insects themselves. Then expose it to sunlight or bake it at 50°C to kill any remaining eggs or insects. If there are mold spots, dry or bake the Ginseng first, brush off the mold with a soft brush, wash it with warm water, and dry it again.

Storage Methods for Goji Berries

There are also specific methods for storing Goji berries:

1. Ethanol Storage: Spray the Goji berries with a mixture of ethanol, then pack them in a non-toxic plastic bag, remove any excess air, and seal the bag. This method prevents insect infestation and maintains the vibrant color of the berries.
2. Vacuum Packaging Storage: Place a small sack containing quicklime into a plastic bag. Remove impurities from the Goji berries and place them in the bag. Seal the bag and use a vacuum sealer to remove the air. Store the vacuum-packed Goji berries in a cool, shady place. Regularly check the packaging to ensure there are no leaks. The amount of quicklime should be adjusted based on the moisture content and other conditions of the Goji berries.

Proper storage methods are crucial to preserve the quality and efficacy of these herbal medicines. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Ginseng, Dangshen