What are the benefits and methods of consuming Jiulong beetles?
Generally, the benefits of Jiulong beetles (Jiulong Chong) include nourishing the body, regulating qi and relieving pain, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, strengthening the spleen and stimulating the appetite, and improving sleep. Common methods of consumption include eating them directly by chewing, steeping in alcohol for drinking, grinding into powder and taking with water, cooking with food ingredients, or mixing with honey. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Benefits
1. Nourishing the Body: Jiulong beetles contain protein, amino acids, and other components that help replenish nutrients, making them suitable for individuals with weak constitutions. They can help improve physical fatigue and low energy levels.
2. Regulating Qi and Relieving Pain: These beetles are believed to help regulate the flow of qi. They may provide relief from abdominal distension and pain or discomfort in the ribs caused by qi stagnation. As such, they are traditionally used as a common ingredient to address impaired qi circulation.
3. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis: They can enhance blood circulation and help dissipate blood clots. This provides supportive improvement for bruising, swelling, and pain following trauma, or for discomfort caused by blood stasis.
4. Strengthening the Spleen and Stimulating Appetite: Jiulong beetles can enhance the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, helping to improve poor appetite and indigestion. They are suitable for those with spleen deficiency or food accumulation, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.
5. Improving Sleep: By regulating bodily functions and alleviating anxiety and irritability, they may help with insomnia and vivid dreams caused by restlessness of the mind, thereby supporting improved sleep quality.
II. Methods of Consumption
1. Direct Chewing: Select live or dried Jiulong beetles, wash thoroughly, and chew directly. This method best preserves their nutritional content, though one must adapt to their unique taste and texture.
2. Soaking in Alcohol for Drinking: Place Jiulong beetles in liquor, seal tightly, and let soak for 7 to 15 days before consuming. Alcohol helps extract active components; drinking a small amount daily is traditionally believed to enhance tonic effects.
3. Grinding into Powder and Taking with Water: Grind dried beetles into a fine powder and take an appropriate amount mixed with warm water. This method facilitates absorption and avoids the unpleasant taste of direct consumption.
4. Cooking with Food Ingredients: Add an appropriate quantity of Jiulong beetles when stewing chicken soup, pork rib soup, or similar dishes. The natural flavor of the food helps mask the beetle’s taste, while allowing nutrients to infuse into the broth for easier intake.
5. Mixing with Honey: Combine Jiulong beetle powder with honey in proportion, mix well, and consume as a paste. The sweetness of honey improves palatability, and honey itself has certain nourishing properties.
When consuming Jiulong beetles, choose products from reliable sources that are properly cleaned and processed. Avoid using spoiled or contaminated specimens. First-time users should start with a small amount and monitor for any allergic reactions or discomfort.