Detailed Explanation of Yin Chen Planting Methods and Cultivation Techniques
Yin Chen, also known as oregano, Tian Naili, Ma Xian, Mian Yin Chen, Rong Hao, etc., is a perennial herb or subshrub of the genus Origanum in the Asteraceae family. It often grows in moist sandy areas near riverbanks and coasts at low altitudes, roadsides, and low hillside areas. In Chinese folk tradition, there is still the custom of making Yin Chen cakes and dumplings with rice flour. Now let us take a look at the cultivation techniques of Yin Chen!
Growth Habits
Yin Chen prefers a warm and humid climate and has strong adaptability. It is best cultivated in sandy loam that faces the sun, has deep soil layers, is loose and fertile, and has good drainage. It is not strict about soil requirements, and general soil can be used for cultivation, but alkaline soil and sandy soil are not suitable. Apply farmyard manure before plowing. Because the seeds of Elsholtzia are very small, the land must be leveled and raked fine.
Propagation Methods
For the direct seeding method of Yin Chen, sow in March in spring. After mixing the seeds with fine sand, open holes and sow at a row spacing of 25×20 cm. For drilling, open furrows at a row spacing of 25 cm and sow the seeds evenly. Before sowing, mix the seeds with New High Lipid Membrane and seed coating agent to repel underground pests and diseases, isolate viral infections, strengthen respiration intensity, and improve the seed germination rate. After preparing the land and sowing, spray the soil surface with a 600-800 times dilution of New High Lipid Membrane, which can preserve moisture, prevent water evaporation, protect against sun and drought, prevent soil compaction, suffocate and isolate pest and disease sources, and improve the emergence rate.
Field Management
After the Yin Chen seedlings emerge completely, thin them in time, carry out intertillage and weeding, drainage, irrigation, and fertilization, and spray New High Lipid Membrane on the plant surface to enhance fertilizer efficiency, prevent pathogen infection, improve resistance to natural disasters, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and protect the seedlings so they grow strong. Also spray Zhuang Jing Ling at the appropriate time to make the plant stems thick and the plants luxuriant. During the growing period, carry out intertillage and weeding 2-3 times each year, and combine this with 2-3 additional applications of human feces and urine.
Pest and Disease Control
The diseases of Yin Chen seedlings include root rot and sclerotinia, and the pests include cutworms, etc. Attention should be paid to prevention and control during cultivation. After Yin Chen is harvested, the roots go through a 4-7 day bleeding period, and after about 20 days of callus tissue formation, new bud differentiation begins, forming a multi-branched clump. From the bleeding period to new bud differentiation, do not water, to prevent root rot. At the same time, it is necessary to improve disaster resistance, reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and lower residual toxicity.
Yin Chen Picture Introduction, What Are the Cultivation Techniques?
The commonly used pharmacological effects of Yin Chen include: cholagogue, liver protection, antipyretic, lowering blood lipids and blood pressure, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, etc. So today the editor will introduce the cultivation techniques of Yin Chen, and let us enjoy these Yin Chen pictures together.
Morphological Characteristics of Yin Chen
Perennial herb or subshrub, aromatic; rhizome oblique, with slender fibrous roots at the nodes, more or less woody. Stems erect or prostrate near the base, usually 25-60 cm tall, more or less purple, four-angled, with reflexed or slightly curled short pubescence, mostly emerging from the rhizome, with flowering branches at the middle and upper nodes, sterile short branches at the lower nodes, and often without leaves near the base. Leaves petiolate, petiole 2-7 mm long, grooved on the ventral side, nearly round on the back, pubescent; leaf blade ovate or oblong-ovate, 1-4 cm long, 0.4-1.5 cm wide, apex obtuse or slightly obtuse, base broadly cuneate to nearly rounded or slightly cordate, margin entire or with remote small serrations, adaxial surface bright green, often with a purple tinge, with inconspicuous pubescence and sunken glandular dots, abaxial surface light green, distinctly pubescent and with sunken glandular dots, lateral veins 3-5 pairs, inconspicuous on the adaxial surface, more or less prominent on the abaxial surface; bracts mostly sessile, often purple.
Geographical Distribution of Yin Chen
Produced in Sichuan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou, Henan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, ** and Tibet.
Distributed throughout the country. Mainly produced in Sichuan, Hebei, Shanxi and other provinces. Commercially it is generally called Mian Yin Chen, and the product from Shaanxi is called Xi Yin Chen, which is of the best quality. In addition to supplying the province itself, it is also transported and sold to the southern provinces. Products from other provinces and regions are mostly produced and sold locally. Abroad, it is distributed in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and other countries.
Cultivation Techniques of Yin Chen
Biological Characteristics
It prefers a warm and humid climate and has strong adaptability. It is best cultivated in sandy loam that faces the sun, has deep soil layers, is loose and fertile, and has good drainage. Yin Chen is not strict about soil requirements, and general soil can be used for cultivation, but alkaline soil and sandy soil are not suitable. Apply farmyard manure before plowing. Because the seeds of Elsholtzia are very small, the land must be leveled and raked fine.
Planting Methods
Use seeds and division propagation. Direct seeding or seedling transplanting method. Direct seeding method: sow in March in spring. After mixing the seeds with fine sand, open holes and sow at a row spacing of 25 cm × 20 cm. For drilling, open furrows at a row spacing of 25 cm and sow the seeds evenly. Seedling transplanting method: raise seedlings in February, broadcast, and cover with a layer of fine soil, just enough so the seeds are not visible. When the seedlings are 6-8 cm tall, weed in time; when the seedlings are 10-12 cm tall, transplant. Division propagation: dig up old plants in March-April and transplant the divisions.
For direct seeding of Yin Chen, drilling or broadcasting is suitable. Before sowing, mix the seeds with New High Lipid Membrane and seed coating agent to repel underground pests and diseases, isolate viral infections, strengthen respiration intensity, and improve the seed germination rate. After preparing the land and sowing, spray the soil surface with a 600-800 times dilution of New High Lipid Membrane, which can preserve moisture, prevent water evaporation, protect against sun and drought, prevent soil compaction, suffocate and isolate pest and disease sources, and improve the emergence rate.
Field Management
After the seedlings emerge completely, thin them in time, carry out intertillage and weeding, drainage, irrigation, and fertilization, and spray New High Lipid Membrane on the plant surface to enhance fertilizer efficiency, prevent pathogen infection, improve resistance to natural disasters, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and protect the seedlings so they grow strong. Also spray Zhuang Jing Ling at the appropriate time to make the plant stems thick and the plants luxuriant. During the growing period, carry out intertillage and weeding 2-3 times each year; and combine this with 2-3 additional applications of human feces and urine.
Pest and Disease Control
Diseases include root rot and sclerotinia. Pests include cutworms, etc.
At the same time, it can improve disaster resistance, reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and lower residual toxicity. Also strengthen integrated pest and disease control, and spray New High Lipid Membrane to enhance the control effect.
The above are the Yin Chen pictures and related cultivation techniques introduced by the editor. Yin Chen grows by roadsides, on hillsides, under forests, and in grasslands, at an altitude of 500-3600 m. It grows in moist sandy areas near riverbanks and coasts at low altitudes, roadsides, and low hillside areas. I hope the content introduced above can be of some help to friends who like Yin Chen.
The Medicinal Value of Dandelion and Its Artificial Cultivation Methods
I often hear my mother say she wants to find some dandelion, but she cannot find it, and sometimes she cannot even identify it, so I wrote this article, hoping to help everyone.
〖Morphological Characteristics of Dandelion〗
Perennial herb, 10-25 cm tall, containing white milky sap. Root deep and long, single or branched, outer skin yellowish brown. Leaves basal, arranged in a rosette, narrowly oblanceolate, runcinate, lobes triangular, margin entire or with several teeth, apex slightly obtuse or acute, base gradually narrowed into a petiole, glabrous or with arachnoid fine soft hairs. Flower stem shorter than or equal to the leaves, elongating when fruiting, upper part densely covered with white arachnoid hairs. Capitulum solitary, terminal, about 3.5 cm long; involucral bracts herbaceous, green, some pale red or purplish red, apex with or without small horns, with white arachnoid hairs; ligulate flowers bright yellow, apex truncate, 5-toothed, bisexual. Achene oblanceolate, earthy yellow or yellowish brown, with longitudinal ribs and transverse tubercles, transverse tubercles above the middle with spiny protrusions, apex beaked, with white pappus at the top. Flowering in early spring and late autumn. Grows by roadsides, in fields, and on hillsides.
〖How to Eat Dandelion〗
Dandelion can be eaten raw, stir-fried, made into soup, or blanched and dressed, with a unique flavor. Raw eating: wash the fresh tender stems and leaves of dandelion, drain, and dip in sauce. It is slightly bitter, delicious, refreshing, and crisp. Cold dressing: blanch the washed dandelion in boiling water for 1 minute, drain, and rinse with cold water. Season with chili oil, monosodium glutamate, salt, sesame oil, vinegar, mashed garlic, etc. You can also make small dishes with different flavors according to your own taste. Making filling: wash the tender stems and leaves of dandelion, blanch in water, squeeze slightly, chop, add seasonings to make filling (meat can also be added), and make dumplings or baozi.
〖Dietary Therapy Methods for Dandelion〗
① Dandelion Porridge
Dandelion 30 g, japonica rice 100 g, cook into porridge. It can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and dissipate nodules.
② Dandelion, Yin Chen and Red Date Soup
Dandelion 50 g, Yin Chen 50 g, red dates 10 pieces, white sugar 50 g, made into soup. It is a top-grade auxiliary therapeutic medicine for treating acute icteric hepatitis.
③ Dandelion and Platycodon Soup
Dandelion 60 g, platycodon 10 g, a little white sugar, decoct together into soup. It has a certain therapeutic effect on carbuncles.
④ Dandelion and Corn Soup
Dandelion 60 g, corn stigma 60 g, add water, concentrate and decoct for oral administration or drink as tea. Used to treat heat strangury and scanty dark urine.
〖Medicinal Value of Dandelion〗
① Dandelion Leaves
They have the effects of purifying blood and stopping bleeding. The well-developed root system of dandelion has anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerating effects. Main indications: boils, carbuncles, sores, furuncles, unnamed toxic sores, mumps, eczema, etc. The preparation and use methods are simple: generally the rhizome can be used as medicine. Take 10-15 dandelion rhizomes, depending on the situation, adjust appropriately, wash and pound, mix evenly with 0.5-1 egg white, and apply to the affected area. A small amount of raw broad bean paste can also be added. It should be administered in sufficient amount, fixed and wrapped with gauze, 2-3 times a day, changing once every 5-6 hours on average. 3-5 days is one course of treatment. Practice has proved that the effect is good.
② Dandelion Flowers
Brewing them with 70-80 degree boiled water into medicinal juice can treat and lighten skin conditions such as chloasma, freckles, and acne. When picking fresh dandelion from wild mountains and fields, choose the best with fresh green, clean leaves and no pollution. For dried dandelion, choose grayish green, impurity-free, dry ones as best. The preparation and use method is simple: brew with 70-80 degree boiled water into medicinal juice. Combine internal drinking with application to the skin.
③ Dandelion Alone or Reasonably Combined with Other Chinese Medicinal Materials
It has the special effects of soothing the liver, promoting gallbladder function, diuresis, and reducing swelling. The rhizome of dandelion is rich in carotene, vitamin C, and minerals, and has good improvement and auxiliary therapeutic effects on indigestion, constipation, body dryness and internal heat, gallstones, rheumatoid arthritis, skin rashes, etc. It is best mainly taken as a decoction or infused in water. The preparation and use method are simple; fresh stems and leaves or dried dandelion stems and leaves can both be used. When drinking it infused in water, the water temperature should not be too hot. When drinking it infused in water as tea, a small amount of red girl peel or corn silk can be added alone, which gives better health effects such as reducing swelling, diuresis, and detoxification. Taking dandelion after a snake bite also has a certain healing ability.
④ Common Folk Remedies of Dandelion for Treating Diseases
Chronic hepatitis, icteric hepatitis: dandelion, Yin Chen hao, and white sugar 50 g each, red dates 10 pieces. Cook together into porridge and eat, 1-2 times daily. Various inflammations: dandelion 60 g, honeysuckle 30 g, decoct in water and take the juice, add japonica rice 100 g, cook into thin porridge, take twice daily for 3-5 consecutive days. Chronic gastritis: dandelion 30 g, one pig stomach, add water and stew until cooked, eat the stomach and drink the soup in 2 portions. It can also be used for peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal ulcer). 2-3 days is one course of treatment. Acute cholecystitis: fresh dandelion 50 g, Lysimachia christinae 10 g, decoct in water and take. Take for 15 consecutive days. Difficult urination: dandelion and corn silk 60 g each, red girl peel 2-3 pieces, decoct in water, add sugar and take. Carbuncles, sores, and furuncle toxins: dandelion and Viola philippica 30 g each, mung beans 60 g. First decoct the medicines and take the juice, add mung beans and cook into porridge to eat. Wash and pound, mix with 0.5-1 egg white, and apply to the affected area.
⑤ Dandelion as Food and Methods of Consumption
1. Dandelion can be eaten raw
First wash the fresh tender stems and leaves of dandelion, peel off the outer skin of the roots, drain, and serve with fresh baby bok choy, scallions, radish greens, cilantro, etc., dipped in raw sauce or cooked egg sauce or chili sauce. It is slightly bitter, fragrant, and palatable, with a delicious taste beyond description.
2. Cold-dressed Dandelion
Blanch the washed dandelion in boiling water for about 1 minute, then rinse with cold water. Drain the water, and season with chili oil, monosodium glutamate, salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, mashed garlic, etc. You can also make small dishes with different flavors according to your own taste.
3. Dandelion as Filling
Wash the tender stems and leaves of dandelion with a small amount of baby bok choy, etc., blanch in water, squeeze out the water, chop, add seasonings to make filling, and add eggs, pork, or beef according to personal taste. Make into baozi, wontons, dumplings, or stuffed pancakes.
4. Dandelion with Staple Food
Mainly with white rice and millet rice.
Seeing this, everyone will wonder how exactly dandelion should be artificially cultivated. Do not worry, I will explain it to everyone.
1. How to Obtain Seeds from Wild Dandelion?
Dandelion is a perennial root plant. Biennial plants can flower and set seed. Early summer is the flowering and seeding period. The number of flowers per plant increases with the number of years of growth; some individual plants have more than 10 flowers. Seeds mature 13-15 days after flowering. When the flower head shell changes from green to yellow-green and the seeds change from milky white to brown, they can be harvested. Do not wait until the flower head cracks before harvesting, otherwise the seeds are easy to scatter and lose, causing relatively large losses. Generally, each capitulum has more than 100 seeds. The 1000-seed weight of large-leaf dandelion is about 2 g, and the 1000-seed weight of small-leaf dandelion is about 0.8-1.2 g.
2. How Do Seeds Germinate? How to Sow?
Mature dandelion seeds have no dormancy period, so sowing can be done from early spring to midsummer. In clear weather (around 28 degrees), mix the seeds with soil, water thoroughly, expose to the sun until the soil is slightly moist, then water appropriately, keep moist, and the next day the middle skin will turn green, and after a few hours they can take root and germinate. According to experimental results: after harvesting seeds in late May and sowing immediately, it takes 10-20 days from sowing to emergence; if delayed until July-August in summer, it takes 15 days from sowing to emergence. The sowing rate is generally about 3 g per sq m, which can maintain 700-1000 seedlings. Before sowing dandelion, first plow the land and make beds, bed width 80-90 cm. Open shallow furrows in the bed, with a furrow spacing of 12 cm and furrow width of 10 cm. Then sow the seeds in the furrows, cover with soil after sowing, soil thickness 0.3-0.5 cm. When sowing, the soil is required to be moist. If the soil is dry, water thoroughly two days before sowing. For spring sowing, it is best to use plastic film mulching; for summer sowing, rainwater is sufficient, so mulching may not be needed.
3. How to Manage Fertilizer and Water for Dandelion?
Dandelion has strong resistance to disease, drought, and insects, and generally does not require pest and disease control. The focus of field management is mainly fertilizer and water. Although dandelion is not strict about soil conditions, it still prefers fertile, moist, loose soil with high organic matter content. Therefore, when planting dandelion, 17-20 kg of ammonium nitrate per mu should also be applied as base fertilizer. After sowing, the soil should always be kept with appropriate moisture. During the growing season, topdress 1-2 times. In the year of sowing, leaves are generally not harvested, in order to promote luxuriant growth, so that in early spring of the following year the new buds of the plants are robust and produce tender leaves of good quality and high yield.
4. How to Carry Out Early-Maturing Cultivation of Dandelion?
When the soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm in the topsoil reaches 1-2 degrees in early spring, dandelion planted the previous year begins to sprout and grow new buds. Generally, before Qingming Festival the new buds emerge from the ground. At this time, the "white bud" part in the soil has already reached 3-4 cm in length, so wild dandelion can generally be picked around April 20. When collecting seeds, the dandelion flower head can be picked, placed indoors for one day of after-ripening, and after the flower head has completely opened, dried in the shade for 1-2 days until the seeds are half-dry, then rub off the hairs at the tip of the seeds by hand, and then dry the seeds in the sun. In places with abundant wild dandelion resources, roots can also be dug for cultivation. Usually in October, after digging the roots, cultivate them centrally in a greenhouse, with a plant spacing of 8 cm × 3 cm. After planting, water thoroughly, and by February of the following year they can sprout. At this time, apply organic fertilizer once more, and leaves can be harvested.