Xuyen chi vegetable, also known as Chuan Xin Lian in Chinese, is no longer a stranger to many people. This weed often grows wildly in rural areas but is now being sought after in cities due to its unique flavor and health benefits. According to surveys in traditional markets and e-commerce platforms, xuyen chi vegetable is priced at 50,000 VND/kg, which is quite expensive compared to other vegetables, and the quantity is also limited.
Xuyen chi vegetable is commonly cooked by stir-frying with meat, boiling as soup, or stir-frying with garlic. In addition to its sweet aftertaste, xuyen chi has a slightly bitter taste, creating a rather exotic flavor that attracts people’s palates. According to experts, xuyen chi is not just a vegetable for culinary purposes but also a medicinal herb in traditional medicine.
This weed that grows abundantly in rural areas is now being sold online for 50,000 VND/kg.
TS.BS Pham Viet Hoang, former Vice Director of Tue Tinh Hospital in Hanoi, shared that xuyen chi is a familiar plant and is even promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for cultivation in Africa due to its ease of farming and edible qualities.
In terms of medicinal value, xuyen chi is believed to possess detoxifying and cooling properties for the body, and it is used to treat insect bites, sore throat, and diarrhea. The entire xuyen chi plant, including its roots, stems, and flowers, can be utilized medicinally. Dr. Hoang mentioned that there have been studies on mice regarding the herb’s effectiveness in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The mechanism by which xuyen chi lowers blood sugar is by stimulating insulin secretion and preventing pancreatic cell atrophy. However, these studies have only been conducted on mice and not yet on humans, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before using xuyen chi as a medicinal treatment.
According to Master of Oriental Medicine Bui Dac Sang (Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association), xuyen chi has a bitter, bland, slightly spicy taste, and a cool nature. It can be used to treat pain caused by wind dampness and in combination with other herbs to address conditions such as sore throat due to cold, accumulation of phlegm in young children, allergies, toothache, and back pain from overexertion.
Furthermore, modern medical research has demonstrated that xuyen chi contains various chemical components, including porphyrin, polyynes, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Notably, flavonoids possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties.
This weed that grows abundantly in rural areas is not just a vegetable but also a medicinal herb beneficial for the body.
Here are some of the health benefits attributed to xuyen chi:
– Antioxidant properties: Extracts from xuyen chi are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cardiovascular diseases and digestive tract cancers. The antioxidant component of this plant is also used in skincare products to prevent skin diseases.
– Anti-inflammatory effects: Flavonoids, especially quercetin, in xuyen chi can counteract free radical damage and possess anti-inflammatory qualities commonly found in pharmaceuticals for treating joint diseases. Moreover, medications containing xuyen chi extracts have proven effective in treating difficult-to-heal wounds in diabetic patients and skin ulcers. The anti-inflammatory component in this natural remedy accelerates the wound healing process.
– Antifungal and antibacterial properties: Essential oil extracts from xuyen chi exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities. Therefore, this herb can be used to disinfect wounds and reduce the risk of infection and scar formation.
– Cardiovascular benefits: Being overweight, physically inactive, obese, a smoker, or elderly increases the risk of cardiovascular issues and the likelihood of heart attacks, heart failure, renal failure, and strokes. Xuyen chi, with its high content of antioxidants and fiber, can help prevent these conditions.
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