This winter, we are accompanied by the freshly harvested “Three Treasures of Long Medicine,” feeling our body’s qi and blood are abundant.
For those who haven’t had the fresh products, don’t be disappointed; there are dried products available all year round.
Among the “Three Treasures of Long Medicine,” Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is a type of white Codonopsis. Its characteristics are: white color, straight roots, tight skin, thick flesh, sweet taste, and no residue when chewed.
Codonopsis can stimulate the spleen’s vitality, increase hemoglobin and red blood cells, and is now commonly used to treat various types of anemia.
We can only eat the thin roots of fresh Codonopsis. The larger, thicker Codonopsis is difficult to transport fresh and hard to preserve in the mainland, so it can only be processed locally on the Loess Plateau. Some merchants use a quick roasting method, while others insist on natural sun-drying, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in greater loss.
The larger Codonopsis is rich in sap and requires nearly two months of natural sun-drying on the plateau to reach about 90% dryness.
My video: Live footage of harvesting Codonopsis
Main Benefits of Codonopsis: tonifies qi, nourishes blood, strengthens the spleen, supplements lung, generates fluids, regulates lung deficiency cough and asthma, adjusts blood pressure, boosts spirit, and enhances memory. It treats various types of anemia.
The benefit of Codonopsis is that it has significant medicinal effects while being balanced and mild. It tonifies qi without causing heat, supplements fluids without generating dampness, and nourishes blood without being greasy, making it suitable for people of all ages. It is particularly suitable for those with both qi and blood deficiency for long-term use.
For those with qi and blood deficiency, if consuming Astragalus (Huang Qi) causes heat, it can be paired with Codonopsis. If there is significant dryness of the mouth and tongue, Codonopsis can be used first to tonify qi and blood.
Who Should Regularly Consume Codonopsis
① Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia
② High or low blood pressure (Codonopsis can regulate both)
③ Gynecological deficiencies
④ Spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite
⑤ Weak limbs, easy fatigue
⑥ Shortness of breath, qi deficiency
⑦ Pale complexion
⑧ Anemia
Situations Where Codonopsis Should Not Be Consumed
Do not consume during fever or acute illness, or follow medical advice.
Pairings with Codonopsis
Codonopsis with Astragalus: Tonifies middle qi, enhances immunity, suitable for those with insufficient middle qi, dry cough, asthma, easy fatigue, and poor resistance. Adding Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi) enhances the anti-disease effect, which can exceed the effect of the BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis prevention) and has been used in cases of brain tumors.
Codonopsis with Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi): Regulates the spleen and stomach, suitable for those with stomach issues, poor digestion, and loose stools.
Codonopsis with Angelica (Dang Gui): Activates blood and generates blood, nourishes liver blood, suitable for those with blood stasis constitution, cardiovascular diseases, irregular menstruation, dizziness, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
Codonopsis with Longan (Gui Yuan): Nourishes both qi and blood, supplements heart blood, suitable for those with insufficient heart blood and shallow sleep.
If there is qi stagnation, chest tightness, heavy dampness, or frequent phlegm and cough, the above formulas can be enhanced with a bit of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) for better results.
How to Select Codonopsis
【1】“Sulfur-containing,” “non-sulfur,” and “pure non-sulfur”
In the market, sulfur fumigation is a common phenomenon, primarily for pest control and preservation. When not fully dried, sulfur is used to make the herbs heavier, increasing profits. Some unscrupulous merchants use sulfur fumigation on moldy, blackened herbs to make them appear bright and pass them off as good products.
When buying Chinese medicinal herbs, be aware that the “non-sulfur” herbs marked by merchants may not truly be free of sulfur fumigation. During my on-site investigation at the herb market, I found that merchants categorize herbs as “sulfur-containing,” “non-sulfur,” and “pure non-sulfur.” The so-called “non-sulfur” does not mean it has never been fumigated but rather that it has not been excessively fumigated.
I asked a merchant to demonstrate the sulfur fumigation process; they only used a small piece of sulfur, ignited it, and after a few minutes, everyone present was coughing and had stinging eyes.
In reality, to fumigate Codonopsis, a barrel of sulfur is needed, ignited and fumigated continuously for 7 days; if the Codonopsis is not fully dried, it requires 10 days and nights of fumigation until the sulfur completely penetrates the Codonopsis. Therefore, herbs that have been sulfur-fumigated will have sulfur residues that cannot be washed away.
【2】Origin, Variety, Heavy Metals, Agricultural Residues
Codonopsis fields by the roadside are easily polluted by car exhaust, leading to excessive lead content. Fields with excessive fertilizer use may have high levels of arsenic and cadmium.
Different origins and varieties of Codonopsis have varying qualities, with significant differences in the content of Codonopsis saponins.
Pharmacological Effects of Codonopsis Saponins: Anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, regulates prostate function, and repairs alcohol-induced damage to the gastric mucosa.
Note:Codonopsis and Ginseng have similar effects; Ginseng is used for serious or acute illnesses, while Codonopsis can be used for general deficiencies and daily health maintenance. Consuming one piece can boost energy the same day, but its effects are relatively mild and not long-lasting; long-term use is needed for comprehensive improvement of health.
Large Dry Codonopsis Click “Read the Original” below↓↓↓