Preparation process of nine-step processed rhizoma polygonati
By employing a nine-cycle steaming and sun-drying process, soaking in rice wine, and absorbing morning dew, the problems of insufficient sweetness, astringent taste, and uneven quality in traditional Polygonatum products have been solved, thereby enhancing the tonic effects and application value of Polygonatum.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 李秀平
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
The traditional "nine-steaming and nine-drying" process of Polygonatum does not fully utilize the natural environment to stimulate active ingredients, lacks flavor improvement and taste enhancement, and the product quality is highly inconsistent.
The process involves nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying, combined with soaking in rice wine, blending of auxiliary ingredients, and treatment with morning dew. The steaming temperature and sun-drying standards are strictly controlled. Auxiliary ingredients such as Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates are added, and the natural moisture and trace elements in the morning dew are utilized to optimize the steaming and sun-drying process.
It significantly enhances the sweetness and nutritional value of Polygonatum, improves the taste, strengthens its core efficacy, ensures good product quality uniformity, and expands its application scope.
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Figure CN121868413A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine processing technology, specifically a processing method for nine-times-processed Polygonatum sibiricum. Background Technology
[0002] Polygonatum sibiricum, a perennial herb belonging to the genus Polygonatum in the family Liliaceae, is a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb. Its dried rhizome is known for its effects of tonifying qi and nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, and benefiting the kidneys. It is often referred to as "the leftover food of immortals." To reduce its cloying nature, enhance its tonic effects, and facilitate preservation, traditional Chinese medicine often processes Polygonatum sibiricum through a "nine-steaming and nine-drying" (also known as "nine-processing") process. "Nine-processed Polygonatum" produced through this process has a dark, oily sheen, a sweet and mellow taste, and is nourishing without being greasy. Its medicinal properties are moderated, and its tonic effects are significantly enhanced, making it highly sought after in the market.
[0003] However, traditional processes mainly focus on the physical cycle of "dry" and "wet," lacking in-depth research and systematic process design on how to utilize the natural environment to further stimulate and fix the active ingredients of Polygonatum and enhance its inherent flavor, such as sweetness. There is still considerable room for improvement in the taste and efficacy of processed Polygonatum. Therefore, we have proposed a nine-times-processed Polygonatum production process to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a nine-stage processing method for Polygonatum sibiricum, which solves the problems of the traditional "nine-steaming and nine-drying" process for Polygonatum sibiricum, which only focuses on the physical cycle of "dry and wet" and does not make full use of the natural environment to stimulate active ingredients, lacks a systematic design for flavor (such as sweetness) improvement, and has limited room for improvement in taste and efficacy.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a process for processing nine-times-processed Polygonatum sibiricum, comprising the following steps:
[0006] S1. Take the Polygonatum sibiricum medicinal material, remove impurities and fibrous roots, and wash it clean to obtain purified Polygonatum sibiricum.
[0007] S2. The cleaned Polygonatum is steamed and sun-dried nine times in cycles, with each steaming followed by natural sun-drying, i.e., "one steaming and one sun-drying" to "nine steaming and nine sun-drying".
[0008] S3. During the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying, the Polygonatum is soaked in rice wine before or after at least one of the steaming processes; and during at least one of the steaming processes, auxiliary materials are added to the steaming environment, wherein the auxiliary materials are selected from at least two of Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates.
[0009] S4. After steaming at least once, nine independent dew-absorbing treatments are carried out in the subsequent sun-drying cycle. Each dew-absorbing treatment includes: placing the Polygonatum outdoors to cool overnight between 9 pm and 10 pm and leaving it there until the next morning to absorb the morning dew.
[0010] S5. After completing the ninth steaming, sun-drying and the final dew absorption treatment, collect the obtained material, which is the finished product of the nine-times processed Polygonatum.
[0011] Preferably, in step S2, the steaming is done using a clay pot or a stainless steel pot, with hard firewood as fuel, and the process is slow-cooked over a low flame.
[0012] Preferably, in step S2, the sun-drying process is dynamically adjusted according to the season and weather: in autumn, the sun-drying time ends at 11:30 am and the samples are collected; in winter, the sun-drying time for a single session is extended to two days; in cloudy or rainy weather or without sunshine, an electric fan is used to blow-dry the Polygonatum.
[0013] Preferably, in step S2, each sun-drying operation is judged by the endpoint of the Polygonatum surface being dry and not sticky to the hand; only after this standard is reached can the next steaming be carried out.
[0014] Preferably, in step S2, the steam temperature is 60-100℃, and the steaming time for a single operation is 2-8 hours.
[0015] Preferably, in step S3, the auxiliary material is added during the second or third steaming process.
[0016] Preferably, the auxiliary ingredients include Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates.
[0017] Preferably, in step S3, the soaking treatment with rice wine is carried out before each steaming process.
[0018] This invention provides a nine-times-processed Polygonatum product, prepared by the aforementioned manufacturing process; the sweetness of the nine-times-processed Polygonatum product is significantly higher than that of similar Polygonatum products that have not undergone the nine-times-processing.
[0019] This invention provides a use for a nine-times-processed Polygonatum product, used to prepare Polygonatum wine, Polygonatum tea, Polygonatum noodles, or Polygonatum sesame balls.
[0020] Beneficial effects
[0021] This invention provides a nine-stage processing method for Polygonatum sibiricum. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages:
[0022] The processing technique of this nine-times-processed Polygonatum, through the scientific combination of auxiliary ingredients and soaking in rice wine, not only enhances the core effects of Polygonatum in replenishing qi and nourishing yin, benefiting the kidneys and strengthening the spleen, but also supplements it with nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins, achieving an upgrade from "single-purpose tonification" to "comprehensive conditioning"; at the same time, the nine cycles of steaming and drying promote the conversion of starch in Polygonatum into active ingredients such as polysaccharides and saponins, further enhancing its tonifying value.
[0023] The innovative addition of nine dew absorption processes utilizes the natural moisture and trace elements in the morning dew, significantly enhancing the product's natural sweetness and solving the problems of insufficient sweetness and astringent taste in traditional Polygonatum products. At the same time, the synergistic effect of rice wine and auxiliary ingredients moderates the richness of Polygonatum, making the product smooth, sweet, and mellow, and more easily accepted by consumers.
[0024] The key parameters, such as steaming temperature, sun-drying standards, and timing of adding auxiliary materials, are clearly defined, avoiding the arbitrariness of traditional processes and ensuring the quality uniformity of different batches of products, making it suitable for large-scale production.
[0025] The prepared nine-times processed Polygonatum can be eaten directly or used as a raw material in the preparation of various products such as Polygonatum wine, Polygonatum tea, Polygonatum noodles, and Polygonatum sesame balls, thus expanding the application scope of Polygonatum and increasing the added value of products. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of nine-times-processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown:
[0029] A process for processing Polygonatum sibiricum (using a nine-step method) includes the following steps:
[0030] S1. Take fresh or dried Polygonatum medicinal material. First, remove visible impurities (such as mud, stones, rotten parts, etc.) by manual screening. Then, use scissors or mechanical trimming tools to remove the fibrous roots to ensure the integrity of the Polygonatum rhizome. After that, rinse the processed Polygonatum in running water to remove contaminants such as mud and dust attached to the surface. After rinsing, drain the surface water to obtain cleaned Polygonatum. The core purpose of this step is to ensure the purity of the raw material and avoid impurities from affecting the subsequent processing effect and product quality.
[0031] S2. The purified Polygonatum is subjected to nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying, following the principle of "one steaming and one sun-drying," meaning that after one steaming, one sun-drying must be performed, and this cycle is repeated until "nine steamings and nine sun-dryings" are completed. This step is the core of the process, and the key parameters and operating specifications are as follows:
[0032] The steaming container should be either a clay pot or a stainless steel pot: clay pots have good air permeability, which allows the Polygonatum to be heated evenly and can absorb some impurities, thus improving the flavor of the product; stainless steel pots are high temperature resistant, corrosion resistant, and easy to clean, making them suitable for large-scale production. Hardwood is used as fuel, as it burns stably and provides sufficient heat. The trace amounts of smoke produced during combustion can give Polygonatum a unique aroma, which is superior to fuels such as coal and natural gas. During steaming, a low heat is used for slow simmering to ensure that the Polygonatum can fully absorb heat and achieve the conversion of effective components.
[0033] During steaming, the steam temperature is strictly controlled between 60-100℃, and the steaming time for each batch is 2-8 hours. Specific parameters can be fine-tuned according to the size and texture of the Polygonatum: for larger, harder Polygonatum, the steaming temperature can be 60-100℃ for 3-8 hours; for smaller, softer Polygonatum, the steaming temperature can be 60-100℃ for 1-2 hours. This parameter range ensures the full conversion of starch, polysaccharides, and other components in the Polygonatum while avoiding the loss of effective components due to high-temperature, prolonged steaming.
[0034] The sun-drying process needs to be dynamically adjusted according to the season and weather conditions to ensure the drying effect:
[0035] Autumn: Autumn has plenty of sunshine and dry air, making it the best season for sun-drying. The sun-drying time should start after sunrise and end at 11:30 am, and then be taken back to avoid strong sunlight in the afternoon, which may cause the surface of the Solomon's Seal to crack and destroy the effective ingredients.
[0036] Winter: Due to the short daylight hours and low temperatures in winter, the drying time for a single process is extended to two days to ensure that the internal moisture of the Polygonatum is fully lost.
[0037] Rainy or no-sun weather: Use an electric fan to blow dry the Solomon's seal. When blowing, control the wind speed to medium or low to avoid the surface of the Solomon's seal drying too quickly while the inside still contains moisture. The blowing time should be based on the standard of the drying end.
[0038] Each drying process is judged by the core standard that "the surface of the Solomon's Seal is dry and not sticky to the touch." Specifically, use clean hands to gently grasp the Solomon's Seal. If there is no noticeable stickiness on the palm and the surface of the Solomon's Seal has no dampness or moisture seepage, then the drying process has reached its end. If this standard is not met, the drying or air-drying time needs to be extended until the requirements are met before proceeding to the next drying cycle. This is to avoid insufficient drying leading to mold growth or incomplete conversion of the active ingredients.
[0039] S3. During the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying, the combination of auxiliary ingredients and soaking in rice wine enhances the nourishing effects of Polygonatum and improves its flavor.
[0040] The Polygonatum rhizome is soaked in Shaoxing wine before each distillation process. Traditionally brewed Shaoxing wine with an alcohol content of 15-20° is used, with a soaking ratio of 1:0.3-0.5 (by weight) of Polygonatum rhizome to Shaoxing wine. The soaking time is 2-4 hours to ensure the Polygonatum rhizome fully absorbs the effective components of the Shaoxing wine. Shaoxing wine has the effects of warming the meridians, promoting blood circulation, and dispelling cold. When combined with Polygonatum rhizome, it can further mitigate the richness and greasiness of the Polygonatum rhizome. Simultaneously, the amino acids and vitamins in the Shaoxing wine can synergistically work with the polysaccharides and saponins in the Polygonatum rhizome, enhancing the product's nutritional value and flavor.
[0041] During at least one steaming process, auxiliary materials are added to the steaming environment. The auxiliary materials are selected from at least two of the following: Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates. The preferred implementation is that the auxiliary materials include Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates. The auxiliary materials are preferably added during the second or third steaming process. At this time, after 1-2 steaming and drying processes, the internal structure of Polygonatum has been initially changed, and it can better absorb the effective components of the auxiliary materials.
[0042] Polygonum multiflorum: It has the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys and nourishing essence and blood. When combined with Polygonatum sibiricum, it can enhance the "kidney-tonifying" effect. The amount added is 5-8% of the weight of Polygonatum sibiricum.
[0043] Black beans: They have the effects of promoting diuresis, detoxification, and nourishing essence and improving eyesight. They can neutralize the greasy nature of Polygonatum. The amount added should be 8-10% of the weight of Polygonatum.
[0044] Glutinous rice: It has the effects of warming and nourishing the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and nourishing yin, and can enhance the sweetness and soft and glutinous texture of the product. The amount added is 10-15% of the weight of Polygonatum.
[0045] Red dates: They have the effects of replenishing qi and blood, and calming the mind. They can enhance the product's qi-replenishing and blood-nourishing effects, while also improving the flavor. The amount added is 6-10% of the weight of Polygonatum.
[0046] Addition method of auxiliary materials: After cleaning all the auxiliary materials, put them into the steaming container together with the Polygonatum sibiricum to be steamed. Distribute the auxiliary materials evenly around the Polygonatum sibiricum to ensure that the effective components of the auxiliary materials are fully absorbed by the Polygonatum sibiricum with the steam during the steaming process.
[0047] S4. After at least one steaming, nine independent dew-absorbing treatments are performed in subsequent sun-drying cycles. This dew-absorbing treatment is an innovative step in this invention, designed to utilize the natural moisture and trace elements in morning dew to further stimulate the active ingredients of Polygonatum odoratum, enhancing the product's sweetness and nourishing effects.
[0048] The specific procedures for each dew-absorbing treatment are as follows: Between 9 PM and 10 PM, spread the steamed Polygonatum evenly on a clean drying rack and place it in an unobstructed, well-ventilated outdoor environment to cool overnight and absorb the essence of the sun and moon. The Polygonatum should remain in this position until the following morning to fully absorb the morning dew. During the dew-absorbing process, please note: avoid letting the Polygonatum get wet from rain; if there is a risk of rain at night, move it indoors immediately; the drying rack should be at least 30cm above the ground to prevent ground moisture from contaminating the Polygonatum.
[0049] The core principle of dew absorption treatment: Morning dew is pure and contains a variety of trace elements beneficial to the human body. Its low temperature causes the surface temperature of the Polygonatum to gradually decrease during the nighttime cooling process. The morning dew condenses on its surface and is slowly absorbed. On one hand, this replenishes some of the moisture lost during the drying process, providing a suitable environment for the subsequent transformation of active ingredients. On the other hand, the trace elements in the morning dew can synergistically interact with the components in the Polygonatum, promoting the synthesis and accumulation of active ingredients such as polysaccharides and saponins, while significantly enhancing the product's natural sweetness.
[0050] S5. After completing the ninth steaming, sun-drying and the final dew absorption treatment, the obtained material is finally screened to remove any possible impurities or damaged parts, and then sealed and packaged to obtain the finished product of Nine-Processed Polygonatum.
[0051] This invention provides a nine-times-processed Polygonatum product, prepared by a manufacturing process; the sweetness of the nine-times-processed Polygonatum product is significantly higher than that of similar Polygonatum products that have not undergone nine-times-processing.
[0052] In this implementation plan, the nine-times processed Polygonatum product prepared by the above process has the following significant characteristics: it is black and oily, soft in texture, and translucent in cross-section. It has a sweet and mellow taste, with a sweetness significantly higher than that of similar Polygonatum products that have not undergone dew absorption treatment. It has no obvious greasy feeling, a smooth taste, and a significantly increased content of active ingredients such as polysaccharides and saponins. It also contains nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins from rice wine and auxiliary materials, making its nourishing effects more comprehensive.
[0053] This invention provides a use for a nine-times-processed Polygonatum product, used to prepare Polygonatum wine, Polygonatum tea, Polygonatum noodles, or Polygonatum sesame balls.
[0054] In this implementation plan: the processed Polygonatum products can be consumed directly or used as raw materials to prepare various foods or health products, specifically including:
[0055] Fine wine: Soaking processed Polygonatum in a certain proportion of white wine to make Polygonatum wine with nourishing effects;
[0056] Polygonatum tea: Polygonatum sibiricum slices are dried and processed to make Polygonatum sibiricum tea that can be brewed directly.
[0057] Polygonatum noodles: After being processed into powder, Polygonatum is mixed with flour to make nutritious Polygonatum noodles;
[0058] Polygonatum and Sesame Balls: Polygonatum that has been processed nine times is mixed with sesame seeds, honey, etc., to make Polygonatum and Sesame Balls that are easy to eat.
[0059] This formula, through the scientific combination of auxiliary ingredients and soaking in rice wine, not only enhances the core effects of Polygonatum in replenishing qi and nourishing yin, benefiting the kidneys and strengthening the spleen, but also supplements nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins, achieving an upgrade from "single tonification" to "comprehensive conditioning"; at the same time, the nine cycles of steaming and drying promote the conversion of starch in Polygonatum into active ingredients such as polysaccharides and saponins, further enhancing its tonifying value.
[0060] The innovative addition of nine dew absorption processes utilizes the natural moisture and trace elements in the morning dew, significantly enhancing the product's natural sweetness and solving the problems of insufficient sweetness and astringent taste in traditional Polygonatum products. At the same time, the synergistic effect of rice wine and auxiliary ingredients moderates the richness of Polygonatum, making the product smooth, sweet, and mellow, and more easily accepted by consumers.
[0061] The key parameters, such as steaming temperature, sun-drying standards, and timing of adding auxiliary materials, are clearly defined, avoiding the arbitrariness of traditional processes and ensuring the quality uniformity of different batches of products, making it suitable for large-scale production.
[0062] The prepared nine-times processed Polygonatum can be eaten directly or used as a raw material in the preparation of various products such as Polygonatum wine, Polygonatum tea, Polygonatum noodles, and Polygonatum sesame balls, thus expanding the application scope of Polygonatum and increasing the added value of products.
[0063] It should be noted that: Nine-times-processed Polygonatum is made by repeatedly processing Polygonatum with rice wine and steaming it. Its medicinal properties are milder and its nourishing power is stronger, replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, improving fatigue and weakness. Nine-times-processed Polygonatum can replenish the Qi of the whole body, especially suitable for those suffering from chronic fatigue, lethargy, and physical exhaustion. It also nourishes Yin and generates fluids, relieving symptoms such as dry mouth, dry throat, and hot palms and soles associated with fatigue. Furthermore, it strengthens the spleen and stomach, promoting the generation of Qi and blood. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "the spleen is the source of Qi and blood," and nine-times-processed Polygonatum can nourish the spleen and stomach, improving symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and constipation caused by spleen and stomach weakness. The watery texture indirectly helps generate qi and blood, and has an auxiliary regulating effect on "fatigue-induced low blood pressure"; it nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthens the body and consolidates the foundation: it can nourish kidney essence, and is suitable for lower back and knee pain, dizziness and tinnitus caused by long-term fatigue. At the same time, "essence can generate blood", and sufficient kidney essence can also indirectly improve blood deficiency, assist in the repair of oral mucosa, and has a certain auxiliary relief effect on "perennial oral ulcers". It moderates the medicinal properties and reduces irritation: raw polygonatum is too greasy and can easily cause abdominal distension and stomach upset if taken directly; after nine processing, its greasy nature is reduced, making it easier to absorb and suitable for long-term use.
[0064] It should be noted that if the effects are not achieved under certain methods, such as nine steaming and nine drying, ten steaming and ten drying can be performed, depending on actual needs.
[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A process for preparing nine-prepared rhizoma polygonati, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Take the Polygonatum sibiricum medicinal material, remove impurities and fibrous roots, and wash it clean to obtain purified Polygonatum sibiricum. S2. The cleaned Polygonatum is steamed and sun-dried nine times in cycles, with each steaming followed by natural sun-drying, i.e., "one steaming and one sun-drying" to "nine steaming and nine sun-drying". S3. During the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying, the Polygonatum is soaked in rice wine before or after at least one of the steaming processes; and during at least one of the steaming processes, auxiliary materials are added to the steaming environment, wherein the auxiliary materials are selected from at least two of Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates. S4. After steaming at least once, nine independent dew-absorbing treatments are carried out in the subsequent sun-drying cycle. Each dew-absorbing treatment includes: placing the Polygonatum outdoors to cool overnight between 9 pm and 10 pm and leaving it there until the next morning to absorb the morning dew. S5. After completing the ninth steaming, sun-drying and the final dew absorption treatment, collect the obtained material, which is the finished product of the nine-times processed Polygonatum.
2. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the steaming process uses a clay pot or a stainless steel pot, with hard firewood as fuel, and is carried out over a low flame.
3. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S2, the sun-drying process is dynamically adjusted according to the season and weather: in autumn, the sun-drying time ends at 11:30 am and the samples are taken back; in winter, the sun-drying time for a single session is extended to two days; in cloudy or rainy weather or without sunshine, an electric fan is used to blow-dry the Solomon's Seal.
4. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, each sun-drying operation is judged by the standard that the surface of the Polygonatum is dry and not sticky when picked up by hand; only after this standard is met can the next steaming be carried out.
5. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S2, the steam temperature is 60-100℃, and the steaming time for a single operation is 2-8 hours.
6. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the auxiliary material is added during the second or third steaming process.
7. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 6, characterized in that: The auxiliary ingredients include Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, glutinous rice, and red dates.
8. The processing method of processed Polygonatum sibiricum according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the soaking treatment with rice wine is carried out before each steaming process.
9. A nine-times-processed Polygonatum product, characterized in that, The product is prepared by the manufacturing process described in any one of claims 1 to 8; the sweetness of the nine-times processed Polygonatum product is significantly higher than that of similar Polygonatum products that have not undergone the nine-times dew treatment.
10. A use of the processed Polygonatum sibiricum product as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It is used to prepare Polygonatum wine, Polygonatum tea, Polygonatum noodles, or Polygonatum sesame balls.