【Codonopsis (Dang Shen)】

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Codonopsis (Dang Shen) has a sweet flavor and a neutral nature. It has the effects of tonifying the middle and benefiting Qi, quenching thirst, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs, nourishing blood, and generating fluids. It is used for conditions such as 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.

【Efficacy and Functions】

1. Tonifying the Middle and Benefiting Qi

Tonifying the middle and benefiting Qi is the primary function of Codonopsis. Those suffering from Qi deficiency leading to weakness in the limbs, poor appetite, and loose stools can take Codonopsis to strengthen the spleen and benefit the lungs.

2. Nourishing Blood

Codonopsis can tonify Qi and nourish blood, making it suitable for patients with symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, and dizziness due to Qi and blood deficiency, such as after a cold.

3. Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases

Codonopsis contains substances that lower blood lipids and blood pressure, thus having a preventive effect on coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Regular consumption of Codonopsis can help avoid the dangers of “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol).

4. Promoting Blood Circulation

Codonopsis can promote blood circulation in the body and also has the effect of hematopoiesis and promoting the growth of red blood cells, effectively helping to enhance the body’s immunity and improve physical fitness.

5. Assisting Digestion

Codonopsis not only tonifies Qi but also balances the digestive system. Drinking soup made from Codonopsis can promote gastrointestinal digestion and the secretion of gastric juices, allowing people to have a better appetite and preventing the occurrence of gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases.

6. Calming the Mind and Enhancing Intelligence

Scientific research shows that the learning and memory abilities of mice that were given Codonopsis significantly improved. Therefore, taking Codonopsis can help enhance learning ability and has a calming effect, improving sleep quality.

【Precautions for Use】

1. Codonopsis should not be stewed with cool foods such as fish, turtles, or duck, as Codonopsis is a warming herb.

2. Codonopsis should not be consumed with radishes, as their effects are opposite; the former is a Qi tonifying herb, while the latter has Qi-moving properties, making them unsuitable to eat together.

3. Codonopsis should not be consumed with Rhubarb, as it may cause poisoning due to a reaction between their active components.

4. Codonopsis should not be taken with strong tea, as the tannins in strong tea can react with the alkaloids and heavy metal salts in Codonopsis, forming insoluble precipitates that affect the absorption of the medicinal properties and harm the gastrointestinal tract.

【Codonopsis Medicinal Dishes】

Angelica, Red Date, and Codonopsis Chicken Soup

Ingredients: Angelica (Dang Gui), Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Red Dates (Hong Zao), Goji Berries (Gou Qi) to taste, whole chicken.

Method:

1. Prepare Angelica, Codonopsis, Red Dates, and Goji Berries, and clean the chicken for later use.

2. Prepare a clean clay pot, place the chicken, scallions, ginger, and cooking wine, and add water to the maximum water level.

3. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, add Angelica, Codonopsis, and Red Dates, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Add Goji Berries and salt to taste, and cook for another 3 minutes before serving. A small bowl daily is recommended, but do not overconsume.

Efficacy: This soup can strengthen the spleen, tonify the lungs, nourish blood, benefit Qi, promote health, and calm the heart and mind, suitable for times of irritability and anxiety.

Carp and Codonopsis Soup

Ingredients: 1 Carp, 4 pieces of Tofu, 30 grams of Codonopsis (Dang Shen), 10 grams of cooked Ham, 50 grams of lean Pork.

Method:

1. Clean the Carp, drain the water, and fry in oil for later use; slice the lean pork.

2. Use meat broth to boil the pork slices, ham, and Codonopsis, then add the Carp and Tofu. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 20 minutes on low heat, seasoning with salt, monosodium glutamate, and cilantro.

Efficacy: This dish can benefit Qi, strengthen the spleen, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling, suitable for kidney Yang deficiency with edema. It is also very suitable for women during their menstrual period.

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