Dang Shen (党参), is a commonly used traditional tonic herb in China. The best quality Dang Shen is produced in the Shangdang region of Shanxi province. It is known for its ability to tonify the middle and augment qi, strengthen the spleen, and benefit the lungs. It is particularly suitable for those who experience fatigue, lack of energy, and mental lethargy. Dang Shen contains various carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, sterols, volatile oils, glycosides, saponins, and trace alkaloids, which enhance immunity, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, improve microcirculation, and boost hematopoietic function.
1. It is suitable for individuals with lung qi deficiency who have a low voice, feel short of breath, and experience wheezing with minimal activity.
2. It is also beneficial for those with spleen and stomach qi deficiency, characterized by weakness in the limbs, poor appetite, and loose stools.
3. Individuals with both qi and blood deficiency, experiencing shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor appetite, and loose stools, should also consider taking Dang Shen.
4. Dang Shen can increase red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, making it beneficial for patients with anemia.
5. For patients experiencing leukopenia due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Dang Shen can help promote the recovery of white blood cells.
6. Dang Shen has the ability to regulate gastrointestinal function, has anti-ulcer properties, and enhances the body’s immunity.
Dang Shen is commonly used in combination with Bai Zhu (白术, Atractylodes macrocephala), Fu Ling (茯苓, Poria cocos), and Zhi Gan Cao (炙甘草, Honey-fried Licorice) to create the famous formula Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤, Four Gentlemen Decoction) for tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen.
For those with both lung and spleen qi deficiency, a combination of Dang Shen with Huang Qi (黄芪, Astragalus membranaceus), Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Chen Pi (陈皮, Dried Tangerine Peel), Dang Gui (当归, Angelica sinensis), Sheng Ma (升麻, Cimicifuga foetida), Chai Hu (柴胡, Bupleurum chinense), Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang (生姜, Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (大枣, Jujube) is recommended, known as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤, Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction).
Dietary Health:
1. Dang Shen Black Rice Porridge
Ingredients: 5g Dang Shen (党参, Codonopsis pilosula) (about 1 root), 150g black rice, 20g zero-calorie sugar.
Preparation:
(1) Wash Dang Shen and cut it into 3 cm long pieces; rinse the black rice.
(2) Place black rice and Dang Shen in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
(3) Then simmer on low heat for 40 minutes, add zero-calorie sugar, and stir well to finish.
2. Dang Shen Honey Tea
Ingredients: 10g Dang Shen, 15g honey.
Preparation: First, wash Dang Shen, place it in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 5 minutes. After the water cools slightly, add honey and stir well.
3. Dang Shen Red Date Tea
Ingredients: 15-30g Dang Shen, 5-10 red dates.
Preparation: Wash Dang Shen and red dates, place them in a pot, and add water to decoct.
4. Dang Shen Dang Gui Red Date Chicken Soup
Ingredients: Appropriate amounts of Dang Gui (当归, Angelica sinensis), Dang Shen, red dates, goji berries, and a whole chicken.
Preparation:
(1) Prepare Dang Gui, Dang Shen, red dates, and goji berries, and clean the chicken.
(2) In a clean clay pot, place the chicken, scallions, ginger, and cooking wine, adding water to the maximum level.
(3) Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, add Dang Gui, Dang Shen, and red dates, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Add goji berries and salt to taste, then cook for another three minutes before serving.
5. Dang Shen Stewed Beef Shank
Ingredients: 1 whole beef shank, 5 pieces of Dang Shen, 8 slices of Bei Qi (北芪, Astragalus membranaceus), a handful of goji berries, 10 slices of Huai Shan (淮山, Chinese Yam), 4 slices of ginger, 2 teaspoons of rice wine, and salt to taste.
Preparation:
1. Blanch the beef shank in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove and clean it before placing it in a container.
2. Wash the goji berries, Huai Shan, Dang Shen, and Bei Qi, and add them to the container.
3. Add ginger and cooking wine, fill with hot water, and simmer in a water bath for 6 hours.
4. Add salt to taste, slice the beef shank, and serve.
Precautions:
Not suitable for those with excess conditions, heat syndromes, or those with deficiency of the righteous qi and excess of pathogenic factors.
