An Introduction to the Benefits, Effects and Ways to Consume Notoginseng (Tianqi)

Tianqi, also known as Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), is a perennial herb in the Araliaceae family, genus Panax, mainly produced in warm, humid regions such as Yunnan and Guangxi. Its dried root is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal material, and in folk usage it is often also called Shensanqi or Tiansanqi.

In traditional applications, Tianqi is sweet with a slightly bitter taste and warm in nature. Its main effects are dispersing blood stasis and stopping bleeding, and reducing swelling and relieving pain. It is often used for sprains and bruises, blood stasis, swelling and pain, and similar conditions. Many people also use it as an everyday health food, believing that eating it in moderation helps promote blood circulation and support wellbeing, though the specific effects vary from person to person.

As for how to consume it, a common way to take Tianqi is to grind it into a fine powder and take it with warm water. It can also be used in soups, such as Tianqi chicken soup or Tianqi pork rib soup, and some people like to cook it together with red dates and goji berries for a milder flavor. Eating it raw and eating it cooked differ slightly in taste and focus, and it is generally recommended to start with a small amount and not eat too much at one time.

It should be noted that although Tianqi is a material used both as medicine and as food, it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, women during menstruation, and those with special constitutions should preferably consult a physician before consuming it. When selecting it, check whether the rhizome is dry and whether the broken surface is fine and powdery. For daily storage, simply keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid moisture and mold.