Unveiling the Health Benefits of Đinh Lăng Stem: Vietnam’s Prized Herb

Đinh Lăng (Polyscias fruticosa) is frequently celebrated as a “precious miracle herb” within Vietnamese traditional medicine, recognized for its numerous health advantages and potential to support various ailments. But what exactly are the benefits of the Đinh Lăng stem for the human body? As experts in natural health and gardening at Biogarden.asia, we delve into the details below.

Understanding Đinh Lăng (Polyscias Fruticosa)

Đinh Lăng is a small, smooth-stemmed shrub, typically growing 0.8 to 1.5 meters tall, without thorns and branching extensively. Its leaves are tripinnately compound, resembling bird feathers, measuring 20-40 cm long with irregularly serrated edges. Each leaf cluster bears small, white flowers grouped in panicles. The fruits are flattened white drupes, about 3-4 mm long.

Known scientifically as Polyscias fruticosa (often recognized internationally as Ming Aralia), Đinh Lăng is relatively easy to cultivate and thrives in Vietnam’s climate. Various types are identified by leaf characteristics, such as small-leaf, large-leaf, plate-leaf, and round-leaf Đinh Lăng. The small-leaf variety is the most commonly used for its medicinal properties.

In Vietnam, the plant is widely distributed, particularly in Northern provinces like Nam Định, Thái Bình, Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Tuyên Quang, and Yên Bái. Its leaves have a mild, pleasant aroma, making fresh leaves a popular culinary addition. The dried roots, stems, and leaves are highly valued in traditional medicine for their efficacy in treating various conditions.

Đinh Lăng is often likened to Vietnamese ginseng and considered a valuable “herb of the poor” due to its accessibility and potency. It’s not selective about soil conditions and both its roots and leaves are integral to traditional remedies supporting different health concerns, including:

• Promoting health for expectant and new mothers, relieving persistent coughs, and aiding sleep issues like insomnia or restless sleep.
• Alleviating symptoms of back pain and numb limbs. The leaves’ soothing aroma is also used in pillows to help babies sleep better.
• Used traditionally in supportive care for certain serious conditions.
• Addressing chronic cough.
• Supporting blood health in cases of anemia and helping regulate menstrual cycles, among many other uses.

Young Polyscias fruticosa plant (Đinh Lăng) showing its distinctive feathered leaves

Key Compounds and Nutritional Profile

Đinh Lăng stem contains a rich array of beneficial compounds, including Glycosides, Alkaloids, 8 types of Saponins (some similar to those found in true ginseng), Tannins, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, at least 13 essential Amino Acids crucial for the body, and various trace elements. Additionally, Đinh Lăng contains essential oils and a notable sugar content (21.10%). The leaves are particularly high in Saponin Triterpen (1.65%).

Research, such as studies conducted by the Vietnamese Military Medical Institute, has indicated that extracts from Đinh Lăng offer multiple benefits:

• Increasing Physical Endurance: The presence of Saponins, some analogous to those in ginseng and Panax notoginseng, is believed to contribute to enhanced stamina and physical resilience.
• Beneficial for Women: It has been shown to induce mild uterine contractions, and Đinh Lăng leaves are traditionally used to help regulate menstruation.
• Lowering Blood Pressure.

Both the root and leaves possess a slightly sweet, subtly bitter taste and are considered neutral in traditional practice. Rich in essential vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C) and crucial Amino Acids, they help strengthen the body’s resistance. Furthermore, Đinh Lăng provides Amino Acids and trace elements that the human body cannot synthesize on its own.

Notably, the roots of Đinh Lăng plants aged 3 years or older are particularly potent, containing high levels of Tannin, Saponin Triterpenoid, and Glucides, making them highly valued for body nourishment and health enhancement. A remarkable, though perhaps lesser-known, benefit of Đinh Lăng is its traditional association with supporting longevity and improving cognitive function.

Close-up view of the woody stem of a mature Đinh Lăng (Polyscias fruticosa) plant

Unlocking the Health Benefits of Đinh Lăng Stem

While historically Đinh Lăng was often viewed primarily as an ornamental plant or valued just for its fragrant leaves used fresh in cooking, it has rightfully gained recognition as a significant herbal medicine with extensive benefits for human health.

The stem of the Đinh Lăng plant, in particular, is utilized as a key ingredient in traditional Eastern medicine formulations aimed at supporting liver health, joint function, reproductive vitality, and significantly boosting overall well-being. Here are some of the notable benefits attributed to Đinh Lăng stem:

Supporting Overall Health & Reducing Fatigue

Perhaps less known is that Đinh Lăng stem is considered a powerful source of energy, helping to boost physical stamina and acting as a “miracle herb” for individuals experiencing fatigue or weakness, aiding in rapid recovery. The essential minerals and carbohydrates it contains can be converted into energy, supporting daily activities, providing sustained power for work and study throughout the day.

Potential Role in Wellness

In contemporary health discussions, concerns about cellular health are widespread. Đinh Lăng stem contains natural antioxidants that may help neutralize free radicals, which are implicated in cellular damage. Furthermore, leading research has investigated compounds like Saponin Triterpenoid found in Đinh Lăng stem for their potential ability to support cellular structure and inhibit the proliferation of undesirable cells.

Improving Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation is a common issue. One way to address this is by supporting the production of Hemoglobin. Đinh Lăng stem, with its beneficial compounds including Glycosides, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, Amino Acids, and trace elements, is believed to stimulate Hemoglobin production. Consequently, Đinh Lăng stem can contribute to more efficient blood flow.

Aiding Menstrual Health

By enhancing blood circulation and supporting overall systemic balance, Đinh Lăng stem may help address issues related to menstrual irregularities in women. If you experience delayed periods, irregular cycles, or discomfort during menstruation, traditional practice suggests that a decoction made from Đinh Lăng can help regulate the menstrual flow.

Benefits for Skin Vitality

The rich array of nutrients present in Đinh Lăng is thought to contribute to skin health. These compounds may help retain skin moisture and support the natural exfoliation process. By nourishing the skin, these nutrients can promote a radiant complexion and may play a role in reducing the visible signs of aging.

Complementary Support for Blood Sugar Management

Imbalanced blood sugar levels are a significant health challenge for many. Compounds like Ginsenosides found in Đinh Lăng stem have been explored for their potential to help manage blood sugar levels. They may support the production of insulin in the pancreas and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially helping to moderate blood sugar fluctuations.

Harvested roots of the Đinh Lăng (Polyscias fruticosa) plant, traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

Đinh Lăng Stem Infused in Alcohol: A Traditional Approach

According to practitioners of Eastern medicine, when prepared correctly, Đinh Lăng stem infused in alcohol (often referred to as Đinh Lăng rượu) offers numerous health benefits:

• Enhancing memory and mental clarity, promoting alertness, and fostering a clear mind, which can improve work efficiency.
• Addressing fatigue caused by weakness and promoting better, deeper sleep.
• Stimulating vision and potentially helping to resolve vision-related issues.
• Traditionally used to help alleviate joint pain and support male physiological function.
• Beneficial for the digestive system, helping to improve appetite and nutrient absorption.
• Supporting liver detoxification and potentially preventing factors that contribute to liver inflammation.

Important Note: To ensure safe and effective use, it is crucial to prepare Đinh Lăng alcohol infusion correctly following traditional guidelines and, most importantly, consult a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist before consumption.

Preparing Fresh Đinh Lăng Stem Infusion

Preparation:
Gather 1kg of fresh Đinh Lăng roots or stems (preferably from the small-leaf variety) and 5-7 liters of traditional fermented rice alcohol. Use a glass or ceramic jar for infusion to prevent chemical reactions or changes in flavor.

Steps:

1. Wash the Đinh Lăng parts thoroughly with water.
2. Carefully scrape off the outer bark, then wash again and let them air dry completely.
3. Place the dried Đinh Lăng stems/roots into the jar and pour the alcohol over them.
4. Allow the infusion to steep for at least 30 days before consumption.

Preparing Dried Đinh Lăng Stem Infusion

After harvesting, Đinh Lăng parts are washed, sliced thinly, and carefully dried. Dried Đinh Lăng stem is typically sun-dried for about 5 days, followed by 2 drying periods in the shade. Approximately 4kg of fresh material yields 1kg of dried.

Preparation:
You will need 1kg of dried Đinh Lăng stem and 7-8 liters of traditional fermented rice alcohol.

Method:

1. Place the dried Đinh Lăng stem pieces into the infusion jar.
2. Pour the alcohol into the jar to cover the dried material.
3. Compared to fresh infusion, dried Đinh Lăng should be steeped for at least 3 months to extract its full potential, although aging for over 6 months is often recommended for optimal potency.
4. The resulting infusion typically has a fragrant, medicinal aroma, reminiscent of traditional herbal remedies. Many users report noticeable effects after just 1-2 uses.

Storage Note: Store the infusion jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Generally, the longer fresh Đinh Lăng is steeped in alcohol, the more potent the therapeutic effects are believed to become.

Traditional alcohol infusion preparation with Đinh Lăng (Polyscias fruticosa) plant parts in a glass jar.

Important Precautions When Using Đinh Lăng

Đinh Lăng possesses potent and diverse medicinal properties. However, improper or excessive use can potentially lead to adverse effects or what is sometimes referred to as “herb intoxication.” Therefore, before incorporating this herb into your regimen, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor or qualified traditional medicine practitioner to determine appropriate usage and dosage based on your individual health condition.

While beneficial for health and effective in traditional treatment, Đinh Lăng’s strong properties mean that overuse or arbitrary self-medication can cause toxicity or side effects. Here are some crucial precautions when using Đinh Lăng:

• Select stems and roots from plants that are at least 3 years old for optimal medicinal value.
• Avoid using Đinh Lăng preparations, especially infusions, right before bedtime, as their stimulating effect might lead to wakefulness or disturbed sleep.
• While alcohol infusions can be used after 3 months, allowing them to steep for over 6 months is generally preferred for better extraction and potency.
• Excessive consumption of Đinh Lăng can lead to symptoms of “herb intoxication,” potentially causing fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, always seek professional medical advice to determine a suitable and safe dosage.

Đinh Lăng is undeniably a valuable herb with a wide range of traditional benefits, including supporting overall health, aiding wellness efforts, boosting immunity, and addressing various other conditions. We hope this information from Biogarden.asia clarifies the question “What are the benefits of Đinh Lăng stem for the body?” and encourages its responsible use under expert guidance.