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As the seasons change, spring has arrived.
The yang energy begins to rise, and all things awaken,
and we also welcome a special new friend!
Dang Shen (Codonopsis)
This product is the dried root of the plants Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T. Shen, or Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. Harvested in autumn, cleaned, and sun-dried.
Characteristics: Dang Shen is long cylindrical, slightly curved, 10-35 cm long, and 0.4-2 cm in diameter. The surface is gray-yellow, yellow-brown to gray-brown, with numerous warty protrusions at the root’s top and buds, each bud scar having a depressed round dot at the top; below the root head, there are dense ring-like transverse wrinkles, gradually becoming sparse downwards, some reaching half the length; cultivated varieties have fewer or no ring-like transverse wrinkles; the whole has longitudinal wrinkles and scattered transverse long pore-like protrusions, and the broken root often has black-brown gelatinous material. The texture is slightly soft or slightly hard with some toughness, the cross-section is slightly flat, with cracks or radial patterns, the bark is light brown to yellow-brown, and the wood is light yellow to yellow. It has a special fragrance and a slightly sweet taste.
Taste and Meridian:
Sweet, neutral. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.
Functions and Indications:
Strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Lung, nourishes blood and generates fluids. Used for 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 g.
A Little Story
According to legend, the immortals Lü Dongbin and Tie Guaili traveled from the Central Plains to the Taihang Mountains and saw a wild boar rolling on the hillside. The two immortals approached to investigate—only to find a plant resembling a bean vine growing in the soil. Tie Guaili dug up the root, put it in his mouth, and chewed while following Lü Dongbin. After a while, Lü Dongbin was panting, while Tie Guaili remained unaffected. Later, they met a woodcutter who informed them that Tie Guaili had eaten a miraculous herb. This miraculous herb was discovered by a family in the ancient Shangdang County, who every night heard faint human voices. Following the sound, they found an unusual plant resembling a human figure not far from their home, and since it was born in Shangdang County, they named this miraculous herb “Dang Shen.”
1
Dang Shen and Red Date Tea
Ingredients:
10 g of Dang Shen, 5 red dates, and an appropriate amount of green tea.
Method:
Put Dang Shen, red dates, and green tea into a thermos, pour boiling water, and steep for 15 minutes before drinking.
Effects:
Benefits Qi and nourishes blood, strengthens the Spleen and opens the appetite, suitable for those with Qi and blood deficiency.
2
Dang Shen and Astragalus Tea
Ingredients:
10 g of Dang Shen, 10 g of Astragalus (Huang Qi), 5 red dates, and an appropriate amount of ginger.
Method:
Put Dang Shen, Astragalus, red dates, and ginger into a thermos, pour boiling water, and steep for 15 minutes before drinking.
Effects:
Benefits Qi and stabilizes the exterior, promotes urination and reduces swelling, suitable for those with Qi deficiency and edema.
Today, we conclude our discussion on Dang Shen,
and may you find the path to harmony of body and mind among every herb and plant.
Which herb’s story are you most interested in?
Or which traditional therapy would you like to unlock?
xiaojixinglin
Little Note from the Apricot Forest
