Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is a commonly used traditional tonic herb in China. Historically, the best quality Codonopsis was produced in the Shangdang region of Shanxi, known for its ability to tonify the middle and augment qi, strengthen the spleen, and benefit the lungs. Modern research indicates that Codonopsis enhances immunity, dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, improves microcirculation, and boosts hematopoietic function. Additionally, it has a positive effect on leukopenia caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
About Codonopsis
【Alias】Fang Feng Dang Shen, Huang Shen, Fang Dang Shen, Shang Dang Shen, Lion Head Ginseng.
【Habitat Distribution】Grows in mountainous shrublands and forest edges. Mainly produced in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces of China.
【Properties, Functions, and Indications】Sweet, neutral. Strengthens the spleen and benefits the lungs, nourishes blood and generates fluids. Used for spleen and lung qi deficiency, palpitations, shortness of breath, poor appetite, fatigue, cough with weak asthma, insufficient qi and blood, pale complexion, thirst due to fluid damage, and internal heat leading to thirst. Dosage: 9-30 grams, decocted for oral use. Not suitable to be used with Li Lu.
Raw Codonopsis slices are particularly effective in augmenting qi and generating fluids, commonly used for both qi and fluid deficiency or qi and blood deficiency. The effects of Codonopsis are similar to those of Ginseng, but its potency is milder. It can replace Ginseng for general deficiency syndromes; however, for severe deficiency, Ginseng is still preferred. Today, Lingnan Traditional Medicine Network has compiled several medicinal dishes related to Codonopsis:
Codonopsis and Huang Jing (Polygonatum) Stewed with Pork Stomach
【Ingredients】Selected pork stomach 250 grams, high-quality Huang Jing and Codonopsis each 9 grams, 5 dates, appropriate amounts of ginger and scallions, and a little salt.
【Preparation Method】
1. Slice Huang Jing and Codonopsis thinly, place in a cloth bag, and tie securely; pit and wash the dates; wash ginger and scallions, slice ginger, and shred scallions for later use.
2. Clean the pork stomach and blanch it in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove blood impurities, then rinse with clean water and set aside.
3. Place the cloth bag, pork stomach, dates, ginger slices, and scallion shreds into a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of clean water, bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, then simmer on low heat until the pork stomach is tender, adding salt to taste before serving.
【Medicinal Dish Efficacy】
During the autumn season, yang energy diminishes and yin energy increases. Huang Jing is sweet and neutral, while dates are warm in nature. Together, they can tonify the spleen and moisten the lungs. This soup is particularly suitable for those with poor appetite and lung deficiency cough due to spleen and stomach weakness in autumn.
Codonopsis and Black Chicken Soup
【Ingredients】Codonopsis 20 grams, black chicken 250 grams.
【Preparation Method】1. Clean the black chicken, cut into large pieces, and blanch for later use.
2. In a pot, add the black chicken pieces and an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then add cooking wine, Codonopsis, and ginger slices, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, adding salt and continuing to cook for another 10 minutes.
【Medicinal Dish Efficacy】This soup nourishes both qi and blood, supports the body, and is suitable for those who are weak, fatigued, and pale, especially after serious illness, prolonged illness, or for postpartum women.
Codonopsis and Astragalus (Huang Qi) Oxtail Soup
【Ingredients】Oxtail 250 grams, premium beef 400 grams, Codonopsis and Astragalus each 50 grams, longan meat 20 grams, 4 slices of ginger, and appropriate amounts of salt and clean water.
【Preparation Method】
1. Scrape off the hair from the oxtail, wash clean, and cut into sections; boil the beef in water for 5 minutes, then remove, wash clean, and cut into pieces.
2. Wash Codonopsis, Astragalus, and longan meat.
3. In a pot, bring an appropriate amount of clean water to a boil, add all ingredients, boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 3 hours, adding salt to taste before serving.
【Medicinal Dish Efficacy】
Suitable for loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal distension, diarrhea due to spleen and stomach weakness, as well as lower back pain and weakness of the knees due to liver and kidney deficiency.
Codonopsis is a relatively mild and safe tonic, with a gentler effect compared to Ginseng, making it less likely to cause excessive tonification. It is generally suitable for most deficiency syndromes.
