Herbal Medicine Identification
Radix Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
Source: The dried root of the plant Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen), also known as Codonopsis lanceolata or Codonopsis tangshen. Harvested in autumn, cleaned, and dried.
Preparation: Slices of Radix Codonopsis should be cleaned, impurities removed, soaked, cut into thick slices, and dried.
Identification Characteristics: Radix Codonopsis is soft, has a gummy texture, and a sweet aroma.
1. Soft: The texture of Radix Codonopsis is soft.
2. Gummy: There is often a black-brown gummy substance at the broken root ends.
3. Aromatic: It has a distinctive fragrance.
4. Sweet: The taste is sweet, reminiscent of milk candy.
Properties and Channels: Sweet, neutral. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.
Functions and Indications: Strengthens the Spleen and Lung, nourishes blood and generates fluids.
Recipe: Codonopsis and Astragalus Congee: 10 grams each of Radix Codonopsis (Dang Shen) and Astragalus (Huang Qi), 100 grams of glutinous rice. Boil Radix Codonopsis and Astragalus in water to extract the juice, then add glutinous rice to cook into congee. Sweeten with white sugar. This recipe is beneficial for replenishing the Qi of the Spleen and Lung, with Astragalus also helping to stabilize the exterior and stop sweating. It is used for deficiency of Lung and Spleen Qi, fatigue, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, and loose stools.
Contributed by: Pharmacy Department
