I have no personal experience of using the dried plant, but my understanding is that it is added to soups - this is a very common practice in China where the concept of adding a variety of medicinal herbs to a soup is very common. As regards the earlier question of how the root is used medicinally, the root is dried and used as a decoction. You make sure the root is broken into small pieces then place about 20g of the dried herb in a saucepan, add 750ml of water and bring to the boil. Simmer until the quantity is reduced to about 500ml and leave to cool. This makes one days supply and is best drunk between meals in 3 – 4 doses. For those who are interested, the following gives more detailed information on the medicinal uses of the plant. BALLOON FLOWERcontains a number of medically active constituents, in particular triterpenoid saponins which have been shown in various trials to have a very effective expectorant action. Other constituents include plant sterols and inulin. The principle medicinal actions of the root can be summarized as follows:- It is a very effective expectorant. After oral intake, the saponins in the root stimulate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract causing a mild degree of nausea. This causes a reflex action in the bronchi, which secrete more mucus thus making the catarrh much more thin and watery and therefore easier to spit or cough out. It dilates the bronchial vessels. It lowers blood sugar levels. It lowers cholesterol levels in the liver. It has antimicrobial action, in particular it has been shown to inhibit a range of bacterial and fungal infections. BALLOON FLOWERhas its main action upon the respiratory system, where it promotes the removal of catarrh and opens up the airways to ease breathing. It is used primarily in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, particularly where there is profuse catarrh. Thus it is prescribed in the treatment of conditions such as colds, bronchitis, pleurisy, pulmonary abscesses and throat infections. Where a cough is diagnosed ‘wind-cold’, the Chinese combine BALLOON FLOWERwith APRICOT SEED (Prunus armeniaca), SHISO LEAF (Perilla frutescens) and TANGERINE PEEL (Citrus reticulata). Where the cough is diagnosed ‘wind-heat’, it is combined with MULBERRY LEAF (Morus alba), APRICOT SEED (Prunus armeniaca) and SNAKE GOURD FRUIT (Trichosanthes kirilowii). When treating sore throats and hoarse voice, the root is combined with XUAN SHEN (Scrophularia ningpoensis), GAN CAO (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and BURDOCK FRUITS (Arctium lappa). When treating lung abscesses, with symptoms such as a cough with blood or pus, yellow and offensive smelling sputum and chest pain, the root is combined with YU XING CAO (Houttuynia cordata), WAX GOURD (Benincasa hispida) and SNAKE GOURD FRUIT (Trichosanthes kirilowii).