This Wild Root Has Health Benefits Similar to Ginseng When Used Correctly.
According to Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City (Campus 3), the herb known as Cát Sâm is also called southern ginseng, cat ginseng, mouse ginseng, bull’s strength, mountain lotus, and great strength root… Cát Sâm is a wild plant with significant medicinal properties. The term “Cát Sâm” refers to the cassava-like appearance of its root. This plant resembles cassava but is known for its nourishing effects, hence the name Cát Sâm.
The scientific name of Cát Sâm is Millettia speciosa Champ. It is a woody vine with a fleshy root. Cát Sâm grows abundantly in sunny areas of mountainous regions such as Lạng Sơn, Thái Nguyên, Quảng Ninh, and Hà Tây. Currently, Cát Sâm is cultivated for its medicinal properties used in herbal formulations.
Benefits of Cát Sâm
According to traditional medicine, the root of Cát Sâm can be used as a medicinal herb. Cát Sâm has a sweet taste and neutral properties, corresponding to the Spleen and Lung meridians. Dr. Vũ indicates that Cát Sâm is effective in eliminating internal heat, nourishing the spleen, promoting urination, and replenishing energy. It is widely used in remedies targeting excessive phlegm, evening fevers, headaches, urinary retention, poor appetite, and combating physical weakness.
Cát Sâm Root. (Illustrative image).
Folklore refers to Cát Sâm as a lung tonic due to its many lung-enhancing effects. For those with dry coughs, persistent coughing, or fever and thirst, a mixture of 12g Cát Sâm with 12g Ophiopogon japonicus, 8g Asparagus cochinchinensis, and 8g mulberry root can be brewed and consumed throughout the day.
In addition to its benefits for the lungs, Cát Sâm is also used to enhance overall health. Those with poor appetite or weakness can use Cát Sâm alone, sliced and marinated with ginger juice, then pan-fried over low heat. Each serving consists of 30g brewed with 400ml of water until reduced to 200ml, divided into three doses throughout the day. This remedy stimulates appetite and boosts health.
Moreover, individuals experiencing physical weakness can use 10g of Cát Sâm combined with 20g of dried Polyscias fruticosa leaves, 15g of roasted Polyscias roots, and 8g of raw Rehmannia glutinosa, simmered in 500ml of water until reduced to about 150ml, divided into three doses for the day. This remedy is comparable to ginseng in its health-boosting effects.
Additionally, Dr. Vũ notes that Cát Sâm is used in treating other ailments such as fever, headaches, heat exhaustion, and chickenpox.
Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ.
Some Herbal Formulations Using Cát Sâm
- Treating Fever and Colds: 2g Cát Sâm, 12g Cát Căn, and 4g licorice boiled together in 600ml of water until reduced to 300ml, divided into three doses for the day.
- Treating Headaches, Thirst, and Urinary Retention: 30g of Cát Sâm, sliced, marinated with honey, then roasted until golden. Brew with 400ml of water until reduced to 200ml. Divide into three doses for the day.
- Treating Heat Exhaustion: Use 12-20g of Cát Sâm, Ophiopogon, Cát Căn, and licorice boiled together. This is effective for symptoms of sweating, fever, dry cough, or for children experiencing night sweats and restless sleep.
- Treating Chickenpox: 12g Cát Sâm, 12g green mung bean husks, 12g raw Rehmannia, 12g white bean, 12g black bean, 10g Dioscorea, 10g mulberry leaves, 10g Ophiopogon, and 10g licorice. Clean and dry the herbs, then brew for water to drink throughout the day.
Dr. Vũ cautions that according to certain sources, the stems and leaves of Cát Sâm are toxic and should not be used. Only the root of Cát Sâm should be utilized for medicinal purposes. The root must be dried and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and pests.
