Health & Life

2 Delicious and Effective Dishes with Dinh Lang Leaves to Treat Insomnia on a Budget

Dinh lang is a familiar medicinal plant in Vietnam, but many people still don't know how to make this herbal dish.

21 February, 2024

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The drowsy thistle is widely planted as a medicinal plant as well as an ornamental plant in Vietnam. The whole plant of the drowsy thistle is used as medicine. Especially, the leaves of the drowsy thistle are used as a daily herb in many dishes such as eating raw with spring rolls, making salads… Particularly, the drowsy thistle has a sedative effect that helps with sleep and treats joint pain… so it is used on a daily basis. According to traditional medicine and folklore, the drowsy thistle has a mild taste, slightly bitter, neutral nature, and has sedative and sleep-related effects. The renowned physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong once compared the drowsy thistle to the “ginseng” of the Vietnamese people because it has many active ingredients similar to Korean ginseng that are very good for health.

The drowsy thistle is rich in active ingredients such as triterpenoid saponins, tannins, and glycosides that help relieve fatigue, support anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Using drowsy thistle leaves helps increase the conduction of nerves, creating a sense of ease, and effectively treating insomnia.

There are many ways to use drowsy thistle leaves, from eating raw to cooking, brewing tea. Among them, there are 2 ways to prepare drowsy thistle leaves into delicious, anti-satiety dishes that are easy to make.

1. Steamed eggs with drowsy thistle leaves:

Eggs and drowsy thistle leaves are both familiar foods. The dish of steamed eggs with drowsy thistle leaves creates a special aroma, with the taste of eggs complementing the slightly bitter, natural taste of drowsy thistle leaves, making it appetizing, not fishy but fragrant.

How to make it:

– Method 1: Choose mature drowsy thistle leaves (not too young or too old), wash them thoroughly, remove excess water, then chop them into small pieces and put them in a bowl, add beaten eggs and seasonings, then beat them evenly. After that, pour this mixture into a pan or line with banana leaves and pour the mixture on it without needing oil. To line with banana leaves, you place fresh banana leaves on the top of the pot or pan and pour the mixture on the banana leaves, avoiding spilling out. Cook until the banana leaves are slightly burnt and the mixture is cooked.

– Method 2: Fry the mixture with oil like normal frying. First, add a thin layer of lard or cooking oil. Then, when the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and pour the mixture of egg and drowsy thistle into it, spread evenly. Wait until the bottom sets, then flip it over to continue frying until it turns slightly golden, increase the heat to make the egg fluffy and golden, then turn off the heat, put it on a plate for hot serving.

2. Braised eggs with drowsy thistle leaves:

This dish of braised eggs with drowsy thistle leaves creates a fragrant aroma and a light, refreshing taste. The braising water with drowsy thistle leaves is slightly bitter, and the eggs are tasty and sweet.

How to make it:

– Wash the drowsy thistle leaves thoroughly, cut them into small sections. Clean the chicken eggs.

– Boil water, reduce the heat to medium, then add the drowsy thistle leaves and eggs. Add a few strands of shredded ginger to make it warmer and more stomach-friendly.

– After 5 minutes when the eggs are cooked, use a spoon to gently crack the eggs to slightly crack the shells, then continue to put them back into the broth so that the water secreted from the drowsy thistle leaves can penetrate into the eggs.

– After about 10 minutes, taste the seasoning to suit your taste, then turn off the heat. When eating, pick the drowsy thistle leaves into a bowl, peel the eggs and put them in, scoop more broth and enjoy it hot.

Note when using drowsy thistle leaves to avoid side effects

This dish should only be consumed 1 – 2 times a week with a moderate amount. If used excessively, the accumulated saponin content can cause dizziness, dizziness, and nausea… Patients with liver disease should consult a physician before using drowsy thistle leaves.

Frequently asked questions

There are two dishes in particular that are both delicious and effective in treating insomnia using dinh lang leaves. The first is a simple tea made by infusing the leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes. This tea has a pleasant, mildly bitter taste and can be sweetened with honey if desired. The second dish is a heartier option, a chicken soup infused with dinh lang leaves. This soup is made by boiling chicken bones and meat with various spices and herbs, including dinh lang leaves, for a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Dinh lang leaves are known for their sedative and calming properties, which can help induce sleep and improve sleep quality. They are rich in antioxidants and have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of sleep disorders, including insomnia.

When used appropriately, dinh lang leaves are generally considered safe. However, as with any herbal remedy, it is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications. Some potential side effects to be aware of include drowsiness, so it is best to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after consumption. Additionally, excessive consumption may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

The frequency of consumption may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their insomnia. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing, if needed, is generally recommended. For the tea, drinking a cup once or twice daily, preferably before bed, is a good starting point. As for the chicken soup, having a bowl every other day or a few times a week can be beneficial, as it allows the active compounds in the leaves to build up in the body gradually.

Yes, dinh lang leaves can be combined with other natural sleep aids, such as chamomile, lavender, or valerian root. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before combining any herbal remedies to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.