Sanqi (Yunnan Pseudo-Ginseng)

Sanqi (pseudo - ginseng) which is so named because it has a three - stalked stem, each with seven leaves. It is also called Tianqi or Jinbuhuan (not to be exchanged even for gold, literally in "Compendium of Materia Medica"). According to scientific analysis, sanqi contains five kinds of saponin, in addition to being rich in such substances as iron, calcius, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Eaten raw, it is effective in causing swelling to subside, stopping pain, activating blood stasis, and adding to vital energy. Eaten cooked, it can build up one’s health, promote growth and treat asthenia and the deterioration of the functions of the organs. It can effectively treat such ailments as suffocation and angina pectoris caused by coronary atherosclerotic heart disease; anaemia; insomnia; poor physical development; high cholesterol content in the blood, and some woman’s diseases that cause bleeding. It is even held that sanqi restrains cancer. A famous medical book of the early Qing Dynasty records that Ginseng is the best Qi–tonifying herb and sanqi is the best blood-tonifying herb. The main substance in Yunnan Baiyao and Pianzihuang is Sanqi. Sanqi is grown widely in Yunnan. Wenshan Prefecture ranks first in China in Sanqi production with a history of over 400 years.