## Discover the Power of Eleuthero: Vietnam’s Native Tonic for Health and Vitality
Unveiling the Secrets of Eleuthero: Vietnam’s Own “Poor Man’s Ginseng”
Eleuthero, or more commonly known as “goi ca” or “nam yang ginseng” in Vietnam, is a remarkable plant with a long history of medicinal use. This humble herb has earned the nickname “ginseng for the poor” due to its impressive therapeutic properties and affordability.
Eleuthero is characterized by its smooth, small stem, typically growing to a height of 0.8 – 1.5 meters in Vietnam, with variations depending on regional factors. The plant is devoid of thorns, and its leaves are pinnately compound, resembling a bird’s feather, and measuring between 20 – 40 centimeters in length. The leaflets are slender, measuring 3-10mm in length, with serrated edges, and exude a distinctive aromatic scent.

Eleuthero: A Plant of Many Virtues
In Vietnamese folk beliefs, Eleuthero holds significant symbolic value. It is thought to ward off negative energies and protect the home, attracting prosperity and abundance. This belief has earned Eleuthero the title of a “guardian deity” for homeowners, making it a desirable plant to have in one’s home or garden.
This energetic plant is highly regarded for its positive impact on both health and general feng shui. Strategically planting Eleuthero in the right location is believed to bring about a change in fortune, inducing a sense of comfort, tranquility, and ease. According to feng shui principles, it is advisable to plant Eleuthero slightly off to the sides of the main entrance, avoiding obstruction of the front door, thus allowing positive energy to flow into the home.

A Plant of Symbolic Significance
Unleashing the Therapeutic Potential of Eleuthero
According to BSCK2. Huynh Tan Vu, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, Eleuthero has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. Some of its applications include:
– Combating fatigue and lethargy: Dry and slice 0.50g of Eleuthero roots, boil with 100ml of water for 15 minutes, and consume the decoction twice to thrice daily.
– Promoting lactation and relieving breast engorgement: Decoct 30-40g of Eleuthero roots in 500ml of water until reduced to 250ml. Drink the warm decoction twice to thrice daily for two to three days for effective results.
– Treating wounds: Crush Eleuthero leaves and apply the paste directly to the affected area.
– Alleviating joint pain and inflammation: Prepare a poultice by grinding 40g of fresh Eleuthero leaves and apply it to the affected area or swollen joints.
– Preventing seizures in children: Dry young and mature Eleuthero leaves and use them as a mattress or pillow lining for children to sleep on.
– Relieving back and knee pain: Boil 20 – 30g of Eleuthero stems and branches, and consume the decoction thrice daily. This remedy can be combined with roots of the “xau ho” plant, “cuc tan,” and “cam thao day” for enhanced effects.
– Addressing impotence: Combine 12g each of Eleuthero roots, hoai son, yi yi, hoang tinh, ha thu o, ky tu, long nhan, and cam nep; 8g each of trau co and cao ban long; and 6g of sa nhan. Prepare a decoction by boiling these ingredients and consume one such decoction daily.
– Treating hepatitis: Combine 12g of Eleuthero roots, 20g of yin chen, 16g of yi yi, 12g each of chi zi, hoai son, bien dou, grass roots, and xa tien zi, and 8g each of yuan jin, yellow ginger, and ngưu tat. Prepare a decoction by boiling these ingredients and consume one such decoction daily.
– Managing anemia: Mix 100g each of Eleuthero roots, ha thu o, shu di, and hoang tinh, along with 20g of san qi, and decoct 100g of this mixture for consumption.
– Treating allergies, measles, cough, and dysentery: Boil 10g of dried Eleuthero leaves in 200ml of water and consume the decoction throughout the day.
– Relieving chronic asthma: Combine 8g each of Eleuthero roots, bai bu, dou sa, tang bai pi, yellow ginger, and “tan day la”; 6g of xiang fu; and 4g of dried ginger. Boil these ingredients in 600ml of water until reduced to 250ml. Consume the decoction twice daily while it is still warm.
The Forgotten Fruit: A Tasty Treat with Health Benefits that Money Can’t Buy
This exotic fruit, native to the Phu Tho region, boasts a plethora of health benefits. While it is known for its hefty price tag, its potential impact on one’s health cannot be overstated. However, it is essential to exercise caution when consuming this fruit, as overindulgence may lead to adverse effects on the body.