Medicinal Value and Culinary Uses of Milk Tree Root
Milk tree root, as the name suggests, is the root of the arbor tree known as the milk tree, also called rumu mamu, niunai ren, zhumu cha, zhunai shu, and so on. Eating milk tree root can help with indigestion and phlegm accumulation in the throat. At the same time, eating milk tree root can also help treat rheumatoid arthritis, help postpartum mothers promote lactation, and for injuries with swelling and pain, mashing milk tree root and applying it externally can also help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Below, let us get to know this small tree root with so many benefits together.
I. Medicinal Value of Milk Tree Root
[Source] From "Lingnan Caiyao Lu"
[Pinyin Name] Niu Nai Shu
[Aliases] Ruzhi mamu, niunai ren, zhumu cha, zhunai shu, niuru yao, da niunai, duonuo shu, ren shui donggua, tie niu ru shi, ruzhi gong shu
[Origin] Medicinal source: the root, bark, or stems and leaves of the Moraceae plant Ficus hispida.
Latin botanical name: Ficus hispida L.f.
[Harvesting and Storage] Can be collected year-round. Wash the roots and dry them in the sun; remove the outer bark and take the second layer; brush the hairs off the leaves before use.
[Nature and Flavor] Sweet; slightly bitter; cool in nature
[Functions and Indications] Dispels wind and clears heat; resolves food stagnation and phlegm; strengthens the spleen and removes dampness; moves qi and dissipates blood stasis. Mainly for cold with fever; conjunctivitis; bronchitis; indigestion; dysentery; leukorrhea due to spleen deficiency; insufficient lactation; swelling and pain from injuries; rheumatic arthralgia
[Dosage and Administration] Oral use: decoct in water, 15-30g. External use: appropriate amount, mash and apply, or decoct in water for washing.
[Various Authors' Discussions] "Lingnan Caiyao Lu": To treat armpit sores, mash its seeds and leaves and apply.
II. Guidance on Culinary Uses of Milk Tree Root
Milk Tree Root
Main ingredients: milk tree root 200g, large pork bone 600g. Auxiliary ingredients: salt to taste, peanut kernels 100g
Instructions:
1. One tree root, cut into small pieces.
2. Wash the large pork bone and tree root, shell the peanut kernels and wash them, set aside.
3. Put all ingredients into the pot, add an appropriate amount of water.
4. Turn on the power, select the fine soup setting for 20 minutes.
5. When the time is up, release the pressure, add a little salt.
6. Take it out and put it in a bowl, the aroma fills the kitchen.
Milk Tree Root Bone Soup
Main ingredients: pork bones to taste, milk tree root to taste. Auxiliary ingredients: salt, chicken essence, etc.
Instructions:
1. First wash the milk tree root clean and soak it in water for a while.
2. Put the pork bones and milk tree root into the pot together, and after it comes to a boil, skim off the floating bone impurities. Add an appropriate amount of salt and chicken essence, turn from high heat to medium heat and after one hour it is ready to drink; the flavor of the milk tree root is super fragrant.
3. Many people say milk tree root is very similar to wuzhimaotao, but they are not the same thing. It is a fine Hakka flavor soup ingredient, with effects such as clearing heat, nourishing yin and reducing internal heat, removing dampness and resolving stagnation, and clearing the liver and moistening the lungs. If you want a better flavor, you can switch to chicken, which is even more delicious.
The taste of milk tree root has a slight bitterness, but if the ingredients are paired properly and the cooking method is appropriate, this slight bitterness can instead play a flavor-enhancing role. Milk tree root is a cooling medicine and food. People with poor digestion who are prone to diarrhea should be careful to eat it in moderation, while those with a cold constitution should be cautious about eating it, so as to avoid unnecessary danger and harm to their own health.