Which description best describes Tian Ma for good quality?

• A. Big, thick, compact rhizomes without holes in the center; color yellowish-white without dark spots; cross section horny, shiny, and translucent
• B. Small, hollow rhizomes with dark spots
• C. Thin rhizomes; gray color; cross section opaque
• D. Segmented rhizomes; brown color

Answer: (A)

Quality Tian Ma is judged by the physical state of the rhizome: it should be substantial, dense, and well preserved. The description that best fits good quality is a rhizome that is big and thick, compact with no hollow center, and a pale yellowish-white color without dark spots. The cross-section should feel hard, be shiny, and have a translucent look, indicating a solid, well-dried material with preserved tissue structure. These features reflect potency and proper processing.

Less desirable descriptions—such as small, hollow rhizomes with dark spots; thin rhizomes that are gray and opaque; or segmented, brown rhizomes—suggest inferior material, potential degradation, improper drying, or adulteration.