The southern part of Luong Son district, Hoa Binh province (formerly), including Cao Duong commune, is considered the cradle of traditional Vietnamese medicine. The rugged, barren limestone foothills provide an ideal environment for the growth and development of many precious herbs, especially the blackthorn and milk thistle plants. In the past, these were common plants found on the edge of forests and along mountain slopes. They were used as a daily tea by the Muong people; the fresh leaves, when brewed into a tea, made the skin of Muong girls fair and radiant, and the physique of Muong boys strong and robust. The fruit, when boiled into a decoction, was said to invigorate the tired, invigorate the lethargic, improve appetite, and promote deeper sleep.
The black sesame seeds are grown in areas that meet specific standards.
From the limestone foothills, people brought blackthorn and milk thistle to cultivate on a large scale in their gardens and rice paddies, covering a total area of over 100 hectares in the commune. Concerned about finding a stable market for blackthorn and milk thistle, and hoping to revive their value by preserving the medicinal properties of fresh blackthorn and milk thistle without drying, in 2021, Tuyet Nhi Cooperative was established in Dong Bon village, Cao Duong commune, specializing in producing herbal extracts from blackthorn and milk thistle. The cooperative focuses on using fresh raw materials and absolutely no preservatives, resulting in high medicinal value and maintaining the characteristic aroma, thus gaining market acceptance.
The black coriander extract and milk thistle extract products of Tuyet Nhi Cooperative have achieved OCOP 4-star rating.
Blackthorn extract contains active compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, prevent metastasis, and support the treatment of various tumors and cancers. Solanum torvum extract, derived from the Solanum torvum plant, helps detoxify the liver, lower liver enzymes, support the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, and protect liver cells.
As a businessman who frequently entertains clients, Mr. Nguyen Van Duc, residing in Cau Giay ward, Hanoi, experienced symptoms of elevated liver enzymes and fatigue. Since discovering the Solanum torvum extract product from Tuyet Nhi Cooperative, he regularly mixes one teaspoon of the extract with 150ml of warm water twice daily, drinking it after meals or before bed. He particularly emphasizes drinking it before and after consuming alcohol. After only six months, a health check-up showed that his liver enzyme levels had decreased, and he was sleeping better and no longer experiencing the fatigue he had before.
Milk thistle extract mixed with water and consumed daily is a health supplement.
In 2021, the Tuyet Nhi Cooperative's two products, Solanum torvum extract and Rhus chinensis extract, were recognized as 4-star OCOP products at the provincial level, contributing to enhancing the value of Solanum torvum and Rhus chinensis plants in the locality and affirming their quality and reputation in the market. The cooperative has linked with local farmers to develop a clean raw material area, creating stable income for farmers growing the raw materials.
To improve product quality and meet market demands, Tuyet Nhi Cooperative has invested in modern infrastructure and equipment under the HACCP quality management system. The products are processed from naturally harvested and grown blackthorn and milk thistle plants according to standards in Cao Duong commune and surrounding areas. Currently, the cooperative is purchasing fresh blackthorn and milk thistle plants from local farmers at a price of 8,000-10,000 VND/kg.
The raw materials are meticulously screened before extraction, resulting in a product of exceptionally high quality and purity. On average, 100 kg of fresh leaves, after 24 hours of cooking, yields 2.7 kg of concentrated extract. The cooperative consumes 15-20 tons of raw materials per month. To meet the growing consumer demand, the cooperative has focused on innovating packaging, designing smaller, more convenient bottles suitable for users.
Tuyet Nhi Cooperative invests in modern equipment and operates under the HACCP quality management system to ensure high-quality production.
The application of advanced production processes has enabled the cooperative to produce high-quality herbal extracts of black sesame and milk thistle, ensuring food safety, traceability, and attractive, convenient packaging. Currently, Tuyet Nhi Cooperative's products are sold in many provinces and cities nationwide through traditional medicine pharmacies and e-commerce platforms.
Ms. Nguyen Anh Tuyet, Director of Tuyet Nhi Cooperative, said: "Recognizing the importance of e-commerce in the digital age, the cooperative has actively implemented online sales channels. The cooperative's products are introduced and sold on the province's e-commerce platform, helping to reach customers conveniently and effectively."
In addition, the cooperative also uses social media platforms to promote products and interact with customers. Organizing live stream sales events has attracted the attention of a large number of consumers, helping to increase sales and expand the market.
This product comes in a convenient jar for easy use.
With continuous efforts in applying technology to production and business, Tuyet Nhi Cooperative is gradually asserting its position in the market, contributing to enhancing the value of local agricultural products and bringing health-protective products to consumers.
Dinh Thang
Source: https://baophutho.vn/nang-tam-gia-tri-duoc-lieu-238068.htm
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