Dang Shen (党参) is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine that has excellent qi-boosting effects. If one experiences fatigue, shortness of breath, or mental lethargy, drinking soaked Dang Shen can effectively help restore health.
The Benefits of Drinking Soaked Dang Shen
Dang Shen has many effects on the body; not only is its qi-boosting effect remarkable, but it also has excellent blood-nourishing properties. Therefore, if one experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, or loss of appetite, regular consumption of Dang Shen is recommended. Modern medical research has found that certain substances in Dang Shen can effectively increase the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body, thus helping patients with anemia recover health quickly. Additionally, for patients who experience a decrease in white blood cells due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, consuming Dang Shen can also effectively help raise white blood cell counts.
The Specific Benefits of Drinking Soaked Dang Shen are as follows:
1. Enhances Body Resistance
It is reported that after entering the body, Dang Shen can effectively stimulate the nervous system, thereby naturally enhancing the body’s resistance and significantly reducing the likelihood of illness.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
Doctors inform us that regularly drinking soaked Dang Shen also has a therapeutic effect on hypertension. This is because Dang Shen can cause the surrounding blood vessels to dilate, thus naturally lowering blood pressure. Furthermore, Dang Shen also has the effect of inhibiting the elevation of adrenaline, promoting overall health.
Therefore, Dang Shen not only has the effect of treating anemia but also can dilate blood vessels to lower blood pressure. In addition, to better manage hypertension, one should also develop good lifestyle habits, control the intake of fats, salt, and cholesterol, avoid smoking, eat more vegetables and fruits, and exercise regularly to improve overall health.
3. Nourishes Blood
Nourishing blood and boosting qi are the two primary functions of Dang Shen, which are also its distinctive features. Therefore, if one experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, qi and blood deficiency, or poor complexion, moderate consumption of Dang Shen can better promote health.
4. Tonifies the Middle and Benefits Qi
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners tell us that the most well-known function of Dang Shen is to tonify qi. Regular consumption of Dang Shen can effectively nourish qi deficiency and also has a certain nourishing effect on the spleen and lungs, making it very effective for treating conditions such as loose stools and loss of appetite.
5. Treats Gastric Ulcers
Modern research has found that drinking soaked Dang Shen can effectively regulate gastrointestinal motility and inhibit the secretion of gastric acid, thereby reducing the activity of proteases in the stomach, which has a certain resistance effect on ulcers. Therefore, if one experiences gastric ulcers or stomach pain, consuming Dang Shen can also have a suppressive effect.
6. Treats Diabetes
Diabetes is a very common disease today, and its complications can cause significant harm to the body, even threatening life. To treat this disease, in addition to reducing the intake of sweets and high-cholesterol, high-fat foods, one can also consume ingredients that help prevent and treat diabetes, and Dang Shen is an excellent choice.
Dang Shen has a sweet flavor and a neutral nature, and after consumption, it has the effects of tonifying the spleen and lungs and nourishing blood and generating fluids, making it very suitable for patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency, qi deficiency cough, and insufficient qi and blood. Most complications caused by diabetes are of this nature, so daily consumption of soaked Dang Shen is suitable for diabetic patients.
The effects of Dang Shen on the body are significant; it not only tonifies the middle and benefits qi but also alleviates irritability and has excellent therapeutic effects for lung deficiency, spleen deficiency, and weak gastrointestinal function. Additionally, the blood-nourishing effect of Dang Shen is also remarkable, so if patients suffer from chronic anemia, leukemia, rickets, or chlorosis, consuming Dang Shen can effectively promote health. Furthermore, for women experiencing excessive bleeding or various postpartum issues, consuming Dang Shen is also a good choice.
The effects of Dang Shen are quite similar to those of Ren Shen (人参, Ginseng), but the only difference is the potency. Generally, if treating deficiency syndromes, Ren Shen can be substituted for Dang Shen; however, if it is a case of severe deficiency, Ren Shen is the better choice. Nevertheless, if there is a problem of qi and blood deficiency, Dang Shen is the best option.
Typically, Dang Shen is harvested in the autumn, cleaned, dried, and can be stored for later use when needed.
