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Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula)
The Efficacy of Dang Shen
Many people know that Dang Shen is a type of Chinese medicinal herb, generally used in herbal formulations. Therefore, it is commonly believed that consuming it as medicine maximizes its benefits. However, Dang Shen is not only used in medicinal preparations; simply brewing it in water can also yield significant benefits, making it a convenient and quick option. So, what are the benefits of drinking Dang Shen tea?
Drinking Dang Shen tea is very convenient, but what benefits does it provide? The efficacy of Dang Shen tea
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers this herb to have a sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold nature, entering the Lung (Fei), Stomach (Wei), and Liver (Gan) meridians. It has the functions of moistening the lungs and resolving phlegm, nourishing yin and generating fluids, harmonizing the stomach, and detoxifying. It is suitable for conditions such as cough due to lung heat, vomiting and regurgitation, poor appetite and dry mouth, anemia, dizziness, women’s leukorrhea, and carbuncles.
Dang Shen is often used in combination with Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Fu Ling (Poria cocos), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) to create the famous formula Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) for tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen. For those with deficiency in both Lung and Spleen Qi, Dang Shen can be combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga foetida), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (Jujube) to create the well-known formula Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction).
Additionally, Dang Shen is known for its ability to nourish blood, which is a significant characteristic. Therefore, for those with both Qi and blood deficiency, symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor appetite, loose stools, and susceptibility to colds, it is advisable to consume Dang Shen. Studies have shown that Dang Shen can increase red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels, making it beneficial for patients with anemia. It also helps to promote the recovery of white blood cells that may decrease due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Dang Shen is typically prepared by decocting or brewing the dried slices in water, or it can be added to dishes for stewing, making it an excellent Qi-tonifying herb.
Dang Shen 
This herb is the dried root of the Codonopsis pilosula plant, primarily produced in Gansu and Sichuan provinces. It is harvested in autumn, cleaned, and dried. The best quality is characterized by thick, robust roots, a soft texture, a strong aroma, and no residue when chewed. It is cut into thick slices and can be used raw or stir-fried with rice.
Identification of the herb: The product appears as thick, round slices. The outer skin is grayish-yellow, yellow-brown to gray-brown, sometimes with numerous wart-like protrusions at the root’s head. The cut surface shows a light brown to yellow-brown skin and a light yellow to yellow wood part, which may have cracks or radial patterns. It has a distinctive aroma and a slightly sweet taste.
Properties: Sweet, neutral. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.
Main Functions and Indications: Strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Lung, nourishes blood and generates fluids. It is indicated for Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency, poor appetite, fatigue, cough with weak breathing, insufficient Qi and blood, pale complexion, palpitations, Qi and fluid deficiency, shortness of breath with thirst, and internal heat with thirst.
Dosage: Decoction, 9-30 grams.
Precautions: Should not be used in conjunction with Li Lu (Veratrum).
Modern Pharmacology: The decoction of Dang Shen can regulate gastrointestinal motility and has anti-ulcer effects. The decoction stimulates the release of gastrin. Dang Shen saponins can inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. Dang Shen polysaccharides promote the growth of Bifidobacteria and regulate the imbalance of intestinal flora; they can increase peripheral blood hemoglobin and enhance the compensatory hematopoietic function of the spleen, which is beneficial for the recovery of white blood cells after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, Dang Shen has effects on enhancing immunity, dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and improving microcirculation.
Selected Formulas
1. Emergency Treatment for Shock: Generally, Ren Shen (Ginseng) is used (in the formula Du Shen Tang), but if Ginseng is not available, Dang Shen 50-150 grams, Fu Zi (Aconitum) 10-15 grams, and Sheng Bai Zhu 25-50 grams can be used for an emergency decoction as a substitute for Du Shen Tang.
2. Insufficient Qi and Prolapse of Internal Organs: Dang Shen and Zhi Huang Qi each 15 grams, Bai Zhu 9 grams, Sheng Ma 5 grams. Decoction, one dose daily.
3. Primary Hypotension: Dang Shen 6 grams, Huang Qi 6 grams, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) 3 grams, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) 3 grams, Rou Gui (Cinnamon) 3 grams. Grind into powder and take 6 grams each time, three times a day, for 30 days.
Dietary Therapy
Dang Shen and Red Date Tea: Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, benefits Qi and generates fluids. Dang Shen 5 grams, 4-5 red dates, 2 grams of tea leaves. Wash Dang Shen and red dates, then brew with tea leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, and drink.
Dang Shen Tea: Strengthens the Stomach, resolves phlegm, benefits Qi, and nourishes blood. Honey-fried Dang Shen 5 grams, black tea 10-15 grams, mix and brew with boiling water for 5 minutes, drink warm.
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Disclaimer: This article is reproduced from the internet and published materials. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal. The various prescriptions and formulas mentioned are for informational sharing only and do not constitute medical advice, recommendations, or guidance. Please use them under the guidance of a physician.