Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
Codonopsis is also known as: Dong Dang, Tai Dang, Lu Dang, Kou Dang, Huang Shen, Fang Dang Shen, Shang Dang Shen, Shi Tou Shen.
Codonopsis refers to the dried roots of various species of the Codonopsis plant, a perennial herb in the Campanulaceae family. There are about 40 species worldwide, with approximately 39 species in China, of which 21 are medicinal and 4 are varieties.
Effects of Codonopsis
Codonopsis is a commonly used traditional tonic herb in China. The highest quality is considered to be that from the Shang Dang region of Shanxi. It has effects such as tonifying the middle and benefiting qi, strengthening the spleen and lung, and nourishing blood. It can also enhance immune function, regulate blood pressure, strengthen the heart, prevent and treat gastric ulcers, and inhibit gastric acid secretion. It is effective for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, qi deficiency, indigestion, and loose stools.
1. Enhance Resistance: Codonopsis has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, enhancing the body’s resistance.
2. Lower Blood Pressure: It can dilate peripheral blood vessels and lower blood pressure, while also inhibiting the pressor effect of adrenaline.
3. Tonify the Middle and Benefit Qi: The main effect of Codonopsis is to tonify the middle and benefit qi. It strengthens the spleen and lung, suitable for those with various qi deficiencies. Symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, poor appetite, and loose stools also indicate the use of Codonopsis.
4. Nourish Blood: Codonopsis not only tonifies qi but also nourishes blood, which is another significant characteristic. Therefore, for those with both qi and blood deficiency, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor appetite, loose stools, and susceptibility to colds, Codonopsis is also recommended.
5. Prevent and Treat Gastric Ulcers: Codonopsis has effects such as regulating gastrointestinal motility, anti-ulcer properties, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and reducing gastric protease activity.
Nutritional Value of Codonopsis
Codonopsis contains polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, sterols, volatile oils, vitamins B1 and B2, various essential amino acids, baicalin glycosides, saponins, trace alkaloids, and trace elements.
Selection of Codonopsis
1. Dong Dang Grade One: Length over 20cm, diameter at the base over 1cm, no hair roots. Grade Two: Length under 20cm, diameter at the base over 0.5cm.
2. Lu Dang Grade One: Diameter at the base over 1cm, no oil strips. Grade Two: Diameter at the base over 0.8cm, no oil strips. Grade Three: Diameter at the base over 0.4cm, oil strips not exceeding 10%.
3. Xi Dang Grade One: Diameter at the base over 1.5cm, no oil strips. Grade Two: Diameter at the base over 1cm, no oil strips. Grade Three: Diameter at the base over 0.6cm, oil strips not exceeding 15%.
4. Tiao Dang Grade One: Diameter at the base over 1.2cm, no oil strips. Grade Two: Diameter at the base over 0.8cm, no oil strips. Grade Three: Diameter at the base over 0.5cm, oil strips not exceeding 10%, no root sprouts.
Historical Records of Codonopsis
1. “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “Supplement”: Tonifies the middle and benefits qi, harmonizes the spleen and stomach, alleviates thirst. For weak middle qi, it is very suitable for tonification.
2. “True Record of Materia Medica”: [Commentary] Expels lung cold, clears lung heat. Codonopsis has the title of Shang Dang, specifically entering the lung.
3. “Matching Materia Medica”: Sweet, neutral. Enters the hand and foot Taiyin meridians. Tonifies the middle qi, harmonizes the spleen and stomach. When combined with Astragalus, it strengthens the defensive qi; with stone lotus, it stops dysentery; with Angelica, it invigorates blood; with jujube seeds, it nourishes the heart. For lung tonification, steam with honey; for spleen tonification, add mulberry bark. For qi stagnation and excessive anger, it should be avoided.
Fifteen Medicinal Combinations of Codonopsis.
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Codonopsis + Goji Berries – Nourishes both qi and blood, benefits the liver and improves vision;
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Codonopsis + Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) – Tonifies the middle and benefits qi, strengthens the spleen and lung;
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Codonopsis + Huai Shan (Chinese Yam) – For indigestion, lung deficiency, and shortness of breath;
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Codonopsis + Red Dates – For physical weakness and poor appetite;
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Codonopsis + Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) – Nourishes qi and generates fluids, nourishes yin and clears heat;
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Codonopsis + Fu Ling (Poria) – Eliminates dampness and reduces swelling, strengthens the spleen and calms the heart;
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Codonopsis + Dan Shen (Salvia) – Nourishes blood and invigorates blood circulation, harmonizes qi and blood;
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Codonopsis + Sha Shen (Glehnia) – Nourishes both qi and yin, clears lung heat;
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Codonopsis + Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) – For cough and shortness of breath, weak voice;
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Codonopsis + Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes) – Nourishes qi and generates fluids, nourishes yin and clears heat;
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Codonopsis + Huang Qi (Astragalus) – Tonifies the middle and benefits qi, strengthens spleen qi;
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Codonopsis + Sheng Jiang (Ginger) – Benefits qi and releases the exterior, supports righteousness and expels evil;
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Codonopsis + Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) – Regulates qi and strengthens the spleen;
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Codonopsis + Fish Gelatin – Beautifies and nourishes the skin, tonifies qi and blood;
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Codonopsis + Dang Gui (Angelica) – Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain, nourishes and generates blood.
Methods of Consuming Codonopsis
1. Boil in Water: If convenient, patients can boil an appropriate amount of Codonopsis in the morning and drink it after meals.
2. Soak in Water: If boiling is inconvenient, take about 10 grams each time and soak in boiling water, without limit on time and frequency.
3. Cook in Porridge: Patients with qi deficiency can add about 30 grams of Codonopsis to their porridge daily, and can also add other qi-tonifying herbs. Remove the used herbs and drink frequently, which can have a good qi-tonifying effect.
There are many other methods to consume Codonopsis, and friends can look them up themselves. If used for medicinal purposes, please follow medical advice.
There is much more knowledge about ginseng. This issue shared knowledge about Codonopsis, and the next issue will continue to share knowledge about ginseng. Thank you for your attention, and please look forward to it!
Disclaimer: Some data and images in this article are sourced from the internet and are for knowledge promotion only.
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