“The Great Ginger Mystery: Unraveling the Secrets of Age-Old Roots”

For many Vietnamese families, is a familiar plant. Besides being grown as an ornamental plant to create a green space at home, is also known as “the poor man’s ginseng” due to its high medicinal value and wonderful health benefits.

Why should you grow indoors?

Growing indoors not only helps purify the air but also allows you to utilize its leaves and roots for medicinal or culinary purposes. leaves are often used for making tea, eaten raw as herbs, or added as a spice in traditional dishes such as fish stew, salad, or spring rolls. Additionally, the plant is considered a precious herb in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

According to the Vietnamese Herbal Dictionary, roots have a neutral nature, a sweet taste, and are effective in tonifying the five viscera, detoxifying, nourishing blood, promoting lactation, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion. Moreover, the roots are used to support the treatment of asthenia, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia.

Due to its exceptional benefits, many people not only grow as a houseplant but also harvest its roots to make wine, which is believed to boost health and increase vitality.

Dinh Lang – “The Poor Man’s Ginseng”

Dinh Lang is dubbed “the poor man’s ginseng” because its roots contain compounds similar to those found in ginseng, but it is easier to grow, care for, and is much more affordable. As a result, this plant has become a popular choice for Vietnamese people seeking natural and nourishing herbal remedies without breaking the bank.

How old should the roots be for optimal use? If you plan to grow Dinh Lang for its roots, keep in mind that the plant grows slowly, and it takes at least three years for the roots to accumulate sufficient medicinal properties. At this stage, the roots start to develop vigorously and become valuable.

The best time to harvest is when the plant is between five and ten years old. At this point, the roots and tubers are of a suitable size, rich in nutrients, and contain precious essential oils. After ten years, the tubers may appear larger and more “impressive,” but their medicinal properties tend to decrease as the roots become woody, losing their softness and inner essence.

While some people still seek out Dinh Lang roots older than ten years, it is mainly for their aesthetic value and rarity rather than superior medicinal benefits.

Tips for Choosing Delicious Dinh Lang Roots for Wine Infusion

When purchasing Dinh Lang roots for wine infusion, opt for those from the Dinh Lang narrow-leaf variety, also known as Dinh Lang nep. This variety has lower yield than the broad-leaf type but boasts higher medicinal value. A simple way to identify it is by examining the remaining leaves on the rootstalk: narrow, deeply lobed, and dark green leaves characterize Dinh Lang nep.

In addition to the variety, pay attention to the color and texture of the roots:

– Mature roots tend to have a darker color, a rougher surface, and larger, longer roots.

– Ideal roots exhibit a natural straw-yellow color, a mild aroma, and a soft, smooth interior when cut open.

The most valuable part of the Dinh Lang root is the section closest to the stem, approximately 10-15 cm long, which is typically used for wine infusion to achieve the best results.

For wine infusion, the optimal age range for Dinh Lang roots is between six and eight years. If you’re using the roots for carving or display purposes, older roots of eight to ten years or more can be chosen.

What to Consider When Growing and Using Dinh Lang

Dinh Lang is a hardy plant that can be propagated from cuttings and doesn’t require highly fertile soil. However, to ensure its optimal growth and high-quality tubers, keep the following in mind:

– Provide indirect light and avoid intense sunlight.

– Use well-drained, airy soil and regularly add organic fertilizer.

– Maintain consistent care and prevent pest and disease issues.

While Dinh Lang is highly beneficial, excessive or improper use can lead to adverse effects. When using its roots or leaves for medicinal purposes or wine infusion, consult a traditional medicine practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Dinh Lang is not only aesthetically pleasing and a great addition to your home, but it also possesses valuable medicinal properties. Growing Dinh Lang indoors and utilizing its leaves and roots wisely is a smart choice for those who appreciate natural remedies. Remember, harvesting the roots when the plant is between five and ten years old will allow you to maximize the medicinal benefits of this “common man’s ginseng.”