Understanding Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Can Dang Shen Replace Ren Shen?

Understanding Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Can Dang Shen Replace Ren Shen?

In clinical practice, due to the high cost of Ren Shen (Ginseng), we often prescribe Dang Shen (Codonopsis) as a substitute. Although both are named “shen,” they belong to different families and have distinct effects, leading to a significant difference in therapeutic efficacy. Let us explore the differences between these two types of ginseng!1 The … Read more

Is Using Dang Shen as a Substitute for Ren Shen Reliable?

Is Using Dang Shen as a Substitute for Ren Shen Reliable?

Introduction: Today we will learn about the differences in classification and properties between Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Dang Shen (Codonopsis). In the herbal literature prior to Zhang Shifan’s “Benjing Fengyuan”, there were entries for Ren Shen but none for Dang Shen, or they were confused with each other. For example, the “Bielu” states: “Ren Shen … Read more

The Benefits and Uses of Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Benefits and Uses of Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Click the blue text to follow us Friends familiar with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) must be well-acquainted with “Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula)”, which is also quite common on the dining table due to its dual role as both food and medicine. The reason Dang Shen is so favored is due to its numerous health benefits. … Read more

Wild Codonopsis from Changbai Mountain: A Superior Tonic for Qi and Blood!

Wild Codonopsis from Changbai Mountain: A Superior Tonic for Qi and Blood!

As autumn winds rise, the best season for harvesting Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) from Changbai Mountain has arrived. Before winter, the above-ground stems and leaves of Dang Shen wither, and all nutrients flow back to the roots, making it the optimal time for medicinal use. The harvested Dang Shen can be washed and eaten raw … Read more

Understanding Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Click the blue text above “Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Museum” to follow Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) is a commonly used herb in health-preserving dishes, but how much do you know about it? Its name contains the character “shen,” which raises the question of whether it is related to Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Xi Yang … Read more

The Remarkable Chinese Herb: The Effects and Functions of Dang Shen

The Remarkable Chinese Herb: The Effects and Functions of Dang Shen

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) is a common Chinese medicinal herb and a nourishing food ingredient. It can be used to make congee or cooked in soups with chicken and pork ribs. Additionally, it can be steeped in water. However, many people are still unaware of the correct method for steeping Dang Shen in water. … Read more

The Efficacy and Distinguishing Features of Codonopsis and Its Clinical Applications

The Efficacy and Distinguishing Features of Codonopsis and Its Clinical Applications

Director Ning provides you with knowledge on health and wellnessClick below to follow for free↓↓↓ The Efficacy of Codonopsis The primary efficacy of Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is to tonify Qi. It is most suitable for those who are usually fatigued, lack energy, have a low voice, feel short of breath, and experience dyspnea upon slight … Read more

Summer Qi and Blood Supplementation: Dong Shen (Codonopsis) as the Preferred Choice! Six Combinations and Suitable Populations for Dong Shen

Summer Qi and Blood Supplementation: Dong Shen (Codonopsis) as the Preferred Choice! Six Combinations and Suitable Populations for Dong Shen

As summer approaches and the weather gets hotter, the body sweats more, leading to increased consumption and a higher likelihood of symptoms related to Qi and Blood deficiency. At this time, using appropriate Chinese herbal decoctions for supplementation can help improve these symptoms. So, the question arises: which Chinese herbal decoctions are good choices for … Read more

Nutritional Value and Efficacy of Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Usage and Dosage

Nutritional Value and Efficacy of Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Usage and Dosage

Codonopsis (Dang Shen) and Ginseng (Ren Shen) both have qi-tonifying properties, but Ginseng is much stronger in this regard, while Codonopsis has a milder effect. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Ginseng can greatly replenish the original qi. Clinically, for patients with qi deficiency who are on the verge of collapse, experiencing confusion, profuse sweating, … Read more

Understanding Codonopsis: The Lesser-Known Ginseng

Understanding Codonopsis: The Lesser-Known Ginseng

Do You Really Know Codonopsis? Codonopsis, named after its origin in the Shangdang region, is considered the finest among its kind. To distinguish it from other varieties, the Codonopsis produced in the southeastern Shanxi province (ancient Shangdang region) is commonly referred to as Lu Codonopsis. Other classifications include Bai Tiao Codonopsis, Chuan Codonopsis, Dong Codonopsis, … Read more