Whats the Ideal Formula Ratio for Infusing Niu Dali (Radix Millettiae Speciosae) in Alcohol to Create Herbal Medicine?

Baduang (Niu Dali), A Versatile Herbal Medicine

Baduang, also known as Jinzhonggen, Dalishu, and Shanlianou, is a common Chinese herbal medicine. It boasts properties of nourishing deficiency and moistening the lungs, as well as strengthening tendons and activating meridians. It is typically used to treat conditions such as lumbar muscle strain, rheumatic arthritis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and post-illness weakness. Many people enjoy consuming Baduang-infused liquor, with the proportion of herbs varying according to the intended therapeutic purpose.

Optimal Formulas and Ratios for Baduang Herbal Wine

1. Treating Lumbar Muscle Strain: Use 30g of Baduang root and 30g of Qianjindaba, along with 12g each of Niuxi, Shanzhuyu, and Weilingxian. Brew in water for consumption.

2. Treating Chronic Hepatitis: Combine 30g of Baduang root with 15g of Tuhuanglian and 15g of Lingzhi. Brew in water for consumption.

3. Treating Post-illness Weakness: Mix 60g of Baduang with 30g of Qianjindaba, 30g of Zhangyerong, 15g of Turenshen, and an appropriate amount of pig lean meat. Brew in water for consumption.

4. Treating General Fatigue and Debility: Use 1-2 ounces of dried Baduang with an appropriate amount of pig lean meat. Brew in water for consumption.

5. Treating Lung Heat and Cough: Combine 1 ounce of Baduang with 5 coins of Hongsixian, 5 coins of Honglinggen, and three bowls of water. Reduce to one bowl for consumption.

The Benefits of Baduang-Infused Liquor

Baduang can be paired with various medicinal herbs to create infused liquor, tailored to individual needs. There is no universal "best" medicinal liquor, but only the one most suitable for you. Baduang nourishes deficiency, moistens the lungs, strengthens tendons, and activates meridians. It is used for lumbar muscle strain, rheumatic arthritis, lung heat, lung deficiency cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic hepatitis, and seminal emission. Note that pure grain alcohol should be used for infusion to avoid compromising the efficacy of the herbs.

The Efficacy and Functions of Baduang

1. Names and Botanical Classification: Baduang, also known as Zhujiaoli, Shanlianou, Jinzhonggen, Daodilizhong, and Dalishu, belongs to the genus Millettia of the Fabaceae family. Its roots are used medicinally.

2. Properties and Effects: Baduang has a sweet and fragrant aroma, with a mild temperament. It is effective in tonifying yang, nourishing the kidneys and replenishing deficiency, strengthening tendons and activating meridians, calming the liver, and moistening the lungs. It is particularly effective in treating kidney deficiency, qi deficiency, lower back and leg pain, rheumatism, chronic hepatitis, bronchitis, cough, and pulmonary tuberculosis. It is suitable for individuals with kidney deficiency, poor blood circulation, rheumatic bone pain, frequent coughing, acute or chronic bronchitis, smokers, and those exposed to kitchen smoke.

3. Culinary Uses: Apart from medicinal use, Baduang can also be consumed as food. People in Heyuan, China, often prepare Baduang soup to entertain guests. This dish, often accompanied by red beans and Tuckahoe, is highly regarded for its taste and nutritional value.