Introduction to the Benefits and Uses of Sowthistle and Its Types and Preparation Methods

Sowthistle is also known as patrinia, tianxiangcai, deer intestine horse grass, wuxiangcai, etc. It is a plant used both as medicine and food. Sowthistle is generally a folk name; it can be served as a cold dressed salad or stir-fried. The cold dressing method is roughly the same as cold dressing other foods. Sowthistle also has many medicinal values. So what are the benefits and uses of sowthistle? How many types of sowthistle are there? What are the preparation methods for sowthistle?

I. Benefits and Uses of Sowthistle

1. Sowthistle can help prevent and treat cancer.

According to relevant literature and research findings, sowthistle can help prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer, and rectal cancer. It has a certain inhibitory effect on lymphatic leukemia; for specific effects, consult a doctor, and do not experiment on yourself.

2. Sowthistle can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, clear heat, and remove toxins.

Sowthistle has a relatively obvious antibacterial effect because it contains lactucin and taraxasterol, both of which are good helpers for killing bacteria. It also has a detoxifying effect on human inflammations such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

3. Sowthistle can relieve summer heat and treat anemia.

Sowthistle contains vitamin C as well as trace elements such as carotene, potassium, and calcium, which are very helpful for friends with anemia; eating more sowthistle can play a supporting role. In the stuffy, dry summer environment, eating sowthistle can cool the body and relieve summer heat, and reduce heart fire.

4. Sowthistle can help regulate diabetes.

Sowthistle has a very obvious effect on diabetes. People with diabetes mainly eat too many sweets, and sowthistle can make up for the deficiencies brought by sweets and play a role in balancing nutrition. For people with diabetes, it is one of the preferred ingredients, and it can also prevent colds, reduce inflammation, and relieve coughs.

II. How Many Types of Sowthistle Are There?

1. Common sowthistle

2. Field sowthistle

3. Variegated-leaf Yunnan sowthistle

4. Short-lobed sowthistle

5. Long-lobed sowthistle

6. Southern ixeris

7. Entire-leaf sowthistle

8. Ixeris denticulata

9. Marsh sowthistle

III. What Are the Preparation Methods for Sowthistle?

1. Cold dressed sowthistle

Ingredients: sowthistle, minced ginger and garlic, chili oil, white sugar, hot water, sesame oil, chicken essence, salt, vinegar, millet pepper

Method: Wash the sowthistle clean, soak it in clean water for a while longer, then drain it, blanch it in hot water, and let it dry slightly. Add the above seasonings according to personal taste, mix well, arrange it briefly on a plate, and it is ready to eat.

Benefits: Cold dressed sowthistle has anti-inflammatory and eyesight-improving effects; eating it more in summer can reduce internal heat and remove dryness.

2. Stir-fried sowthistle

Ingredients: sowthistle, sliced garlic, salt, chicken essence, oil

Method: Wash the sowthistle clean and cut it into sections, taking care to separate the stems and leaves. Then pour oil into a wok and heat it, add the prepared garlic slices and saute until fragrant, then add the sowthistle stems and stir-fry; after one and a half minutes, continue by adding the sowthistle leaves and stir-fry. When it is 80 percent cooked, add an appropriate amount of salt and chicken essence, and finally add a little oil to coat the wok, plate it, and it is ready to eat.