Effects, Functions, and Contraindications of Codonopsis (Dang Shen) and Its Consumption Methods
Codonopsis, also known as Dang Shen, is referred to by various names including 防党 (Fang Dang), 防党参 (Fang Dang Shen), 潞党参 (Lu Dang Shen), 西潞党 (Xi Lu Dang), 西党参 (Xi Dang Shen), 东党 (Dong Dang), 台党参 (Tai Dang Shen), 上党 (Shang Dang), 白条党 (Bai Tiao Dang), and 纹党 (Wen Dang). Codonopsis can strengthen the spleen and benefit the lungs, nourish the blood and generate fluids, treating conditions such as spleen and lung qi deficiency, poor appetite, fatigue, cough with shortness of breath, insufficient qi and blood, pale complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, thirst due to fluid damage, and internal heat leading to thirst.
Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
【Name】Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
【Alias】防党 (Fang Dang), 防党参 (Fang Dang Shen), 潞党参 (Lu Dang Shen), 西潞党 (Xi Lu Dang), 西党参 (Xi Dang Shen), 东党 (Dong Dang), 台党参 (Tai Dang Shen), 上党 (Shang Dang), 白条党 (Bai Tiao Dang), 纹党 (Wen Dang).
【Source】Codonopsis is the root of the plant belonging to the Campanulaceae family.
【Category】Qi tonifying herb
【Properties】Sweet, neutral.
【Effects】Strengthens the spleen and benefits the lungs, nourishes the blood and generates fluids.
【Indications】Treats spleen and lung qi deficiency, poor appetite, fatigue, cough with shortness of breath, insufficient qi and blood, pale complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, thirst due to fluid damage, and internal heat leading to thirst.
【Dosage】9-30 grams.
【Source】2015 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia
Effects, Functions, and Contraindications of Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
【Effects and Functions of Codonopsis (Dang Shen)】Strengthens the spleen and benefits the lungs, nourishes the blood and generates fluids, treating spleen and lung qi deficiency, poor appetite, fatigue, cough with shortness of breath, insufficient qi and blood, pale complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, thirst due to fluid damage, and internal heat leading to thirst.
1. Codonopsis for treating diarrhea and postpartum qi deficiency leading to prolapse: Codonopsis (remove the peel, stir-fried with rice) 10 grams, roasted Astragalus (Huang Qi), white Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, stir-fried), nutmeg powder, and Poria (Fu Ling) each 7-8 grams, fried Chinese yam (Huang Shan Yao) 10 grams, honey-fried Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) 3 grams, and roasted licorice (Gan Cao) 3.5 grams. Add two slices of ginger and decoct. Alternatively, add processed Aconite (Fu Zi) 2.5 grams. (From “Necessary Medical Knowledge”)
2. Codonopsis for treating oral ulcers in children: Codonopsis 50 grams, Huang Bai (Phellodendron) 25 grams. Grind into a fine powder and apply to the affected area. (From “Compilation of Proven TCM Recipes from Qinghai Province”)
3. Codonopsis for treating damage to the spleen and stomach caused by cold and harsh medications, leading to oral ulcers: Codonopsis (roasted) and Astragalus (roasted) each 10 grams, Poria 5 grams, raw licorice 2.5 grams, and white peony (Bai Shao) 3.5 grams. Decoct in plain water and take warm. (From “Collection of Throat Medicine”)
【Contraindications of Codonopsis (Dang Shen)】Contraindicated in cases of excess pathogens; avoid use in cases of qi stagnation or excessive anger.
Dietary Therapy Methods
1Codonopsis Millet Porridge
Prescription: Codonopsis 30 grams, Sheng Ma 10 grams, millet 50 grams.
Preparation: First decoct Codonopsis and Sheng Ma, strain, then add millet and cook into porridge.
Usage: Consume on an empty stomach, twice daily.
Effects: Tonifies qi and elevates energy. Suitable for uterine prolapse and shortness of breath with fatigue.
Excerpted from: “Folk Recipes”