Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Root)
Tian Men Dong (Long spindle-shaped, curved, plump in the middle and slender at both ends, soft, moist, translucent, glutinous, bright, sticky)
Tian Men Dong (Poor quality, oil seepage and discoloration)
Tian Men Dong Slice (Woody core in the center, sticky, gelatinous)
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Superior Class
【Common Usage Level】
B
【Botanical Origin】
The dried tuberous root of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., of the Liliaceae family.
【Characteristics】
It is long, oblong-spindle-shaped, or cylindrical, often curved, plump in the middle, gradually thinning and blunt at both ends, 6-20 cm long, 0.5-2 cm in diameter in the middle. The surface is yellowish-white or light yellowish-brown, oily, translucent, bright, smooth or with longitudinal wrinkles, and occasionally has residual brown outer skin. When completely dry, it is hard and brittle and easily broken. When not completely dry, it is soft, sticky, and has a waxy, flat fracture surface.
The sliced form is in small segments or thick transverse slices, yellowish-white or light brown in color, oily and translucent. The central part has a woody core. If not completely dried, it is soft and sticky, and the fracture surface resembles a gel. It tastes sweet and slightly bitter.
【Identification】
“Materia Medica Commentary” says: “The one from high ground, with large roots and a sweet taste is good.” “Taiping Shenghui Fang” says: “Tian Men Dong from shady ground is the best.” “Zheng Lei Ben Cao” says: “The larger ones are superior, and those with short roots, a sweet taste, and a fragrant aroma are the best.” “Puji Fang” says: “Tian Men Dong grows in the mountain valleys of Fenggao… In the central Yue mountain, it is called Tian Men Dong… The one from the northern shady ground is the best.” “Yi Fang Lei Ju” says: “Tian Men Dong from the northern Yue mountain, from shady ground, is the best.” “Materia Medica Essential Selections” says: “The one with round and short, solid roots is good.” “Ben Cao Qiu Zhen” says: “Choose the plump and bright ones for the best quality.”
The best quality is dry, large, full, skinless, dense, yellowish-white, shiny, translucent, and glutinous. The ones that are thin and long, yellowish-brown, not bright are of secondary quality, and the ones that are black are unqualified.
【Category】
Root Category