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The Benefits and Effects of Drinking Decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand Together
Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is the dried root of the plant Codonopsis pilosula, belonging to the Campanulaceae family. It has a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and is associated with the Spleen and Lung meridians. Buddha’s Hand (Fo Shou) is the dried fruit of the plant Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, belonging to the Rutaceae family. It has a pungent, bitter, and sour taste, a warm nature, and is associated with the Liver, Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians. Drinking a decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand together has the effects of strengthening the Spleen and benefiting Qi, as well as nourishing Qi and generating fluids.
1. Strengthening the Spleen and Benefiting Qi
Codonopsis has a sweet taste and a neutral nature, primarily affecting the Spleen and Lung meridians. It has a similar effect to Ginseng in tonifying the Spleen and Lung Qi, but with a milder potency, making it an excellent herb for tonifying the middle and benefiting Qi. Buddha’s Hand enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians, helping to regulate Qi and alleviate pain. Therefore, drinking a decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand can strengthen the Spleen and benefit Qi, useful for conditions such as Spleen Qi deficiency, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
2. Nourishing Qi and Generating Fluids
Buddha’s Hand is bitter, warm, and dries dampness while transforming phlegm; its aromatic properties also help to move Qi. Codonopsis has the effect of nourishing Qi and generating fluids. Thus, drinking a decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand can nourish Qi and generate fluids, beneficial for conditions such as cough with phlegm, excessive phlegm with chest tightness, dual injury of Qi and fluids, shortness of breath with thirst, and internal heat leading to thirst.
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The Nutritional Value of Drinking Decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand Together
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Tips for Drinking Decoction of Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand Together
Not Suitable to Eat Together
1. Rhizoma Veratri (Li Lu)
Codonopsis and Rhizoma Veratri are incompatible (known as the “Eighteen Incompatibilities”) and should not be used together, as this may lead to toxic side effects. It is recommended to choose soft, moist, and sweet Codonopsis, along with large, green-skinned, white-fleshed, and aromatic Buddha’s Hand for the decoction.
Direct Consumption
Place Codonopsis and Buddha’s Hand in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for a period of time before drinking.