Basic Introduction to Mingxi Golden Thread Orchid
The official name of the Golden Thread Orchid in Chinese medicine is Jin Xian Lan. It is the whole plant of Liparis and Saccoglottis plants from the Orchidaceae family. In folk terms, it is also known as Golden Thread, Golden Earring, Bird Ginseng, Golden Thread Tiger Banana, Golden Thread Bone Remedy, Golden Coin Grass, and Golden Thread Lycopodium.
Public Notice No. 3 for the Registration of Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products of the People's Republic of China implements the protection of the geographical indication for the product “Mingxi Golden Thread Orchid.”
Nutritional Value
The entire plant of the Golden Thread Orchid can be used medicinally, with a neutral taste and sweet flavor. The Golden Thread Orchid has cooling and Blood-purifying properties, as well as benefits for expelling wind and dampness, detoxification, pain relief, cough suppression, and more. It is used to treat difficult conditions such as hemoptysis, bronchitis, nephritis, cystitis, diabetes, hematuria, rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, and others.
History and Folklore
According to legend, a long time ago, a fairy bird with an injured leg hobbled into a valley to find medicine. By a mountain spring, it saw the shiny leaves of the Golden Thread Orchid and pecked at several of them. A few days later, its leg injury had healed. This myth was later confirmed by herbalists in the mountains. Herbalists once observed that birds often carried the Golden Thread Orchid around, leading them to track and observe the behavior. They found that when a bird was injured or sick, other healthy birds would find the Golden Thread Orchid for it to eat. Wild animals, when injured or sick, would also seek out the Golden Thread Orchid to heal themselves. Thus, the Golden Thread Orchid is a natural remedy used by wildlife for self-treatment, which is why it is also called “Bird Ginseng,” meaning a tonic for birds. It is said that snakes and rats also seek out the Golden Thread Orchid when they are ill. Nature truly is wondrous, as the saying goes: “The good medicines bestowed by heaven grow deep in the mountains, allowing all living creatures to thrive.”
Distinguishing Authenticity
Authenticity Identification: For loose Golden Thread Orchids, lay them flat on paper; for those in gift boxes, unpack them and spread out the leaves. First, take a general look, then carefully examine each plant. The most important feature to check is whether there are fine golden (or Silver) veins forming a net-like pattern on the leaves, whether the stem is slender, and whether the leaf base forms a sheath around the stem. The leaves of the Golden Thread Orchid are alternate, with smooth margins. The leaf surface is yellow-green (or dark green for Taiwanese Golden Thread Orchids), while the underside of both varieties is dark purple-red.
Tasting and Preparation Methods for Mingxi Golden Thread Orchid
“Golden Thread Orchid Stewed with Abalone” has the effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs, treating Liver and spleen diseases, lung disease, seminal emission, various diseases of the genitourinary system, lowering blood pressure, and replenishing vital energy;
“Golden Thread Orchid Stewed with Pork Ribs” aids in detoxification, beautification, and anti-aging, and provides supplementary benefits for bronchitis, nephritis, cystitis, diabetes, hematuria, rheumatoid arthritis, acute and chronic hepatitis, and hypertension;
“Boiled Golden Thread Orchid Water” is effective for high fevers in children that do not subside, coughs, and infantile convulsions. Drinking this regularly can effectively eliminate acne and pimples.