The Efficacy and Uses of Codonopsis (Dang Shen)： Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is the root of several plants in the Campanulaceae family, including common codonopsis, smooth-flowered codonopsis, Sichuan codonopsis, tubular-flowered codonopsis, globular-flowered codonopsis, and gray-haired codonopsis. Codonopsis has the effects of strengthening the spleen, nourishing the lungs, and benefiting qi and fluids. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency, fatigue in the limbs, lung deficiency with cough and wheezing, poor appetite with loose stools, shortness of breath with spontaneous sweating, and deficiency of both qi and blood. 1. Codonopsis for Treating Qi Deficiency Cough and Wheezing: The lungs are the master of qi; when lung deficiency occurs, qi cannot be properly regulated, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, weak speech, low cough sound, spontaneous sweating, sensitivity to wind, susceptibility to colds, and ineffective phlegm expectoration. For qi deficiency cough and wheezing, this herb is often combined with Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), and Gan Cao (Licorice).
2. Codonopsis for Benefiting Qi and Nourishing Blood: For symptoms of both qi and blood deficiency (shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, pale tongue, and even weakness or thin pulse), this herb can be combined with Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Dang Gui (Angelica), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Bai Shao (White Peony), and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) (such as in Ba Zhen Tang), to achieve the effect of replenishing both qi and blood. Furthermore, historical experience suggests that benefiting qi can promote blood nourishment, and strengthening the spleen can aid in blood production. Therefore, when treating blood deficiency, Codonopsis is often used to benefit qi and strengthen the spleen to assist in blood nourishment. For example, it can be combined with Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, Yuan Zhi (Polygala), Wu Wei Zi, and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) to create Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (using Codonopsis instead of ginseng); or combined with Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Chen Pi, Long Yan Rou (Longan), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), and Yuan Zhi to create Gui Pi Tang, both of which are commonly used formulas for benefiting qi and nourishing blood. Modern experiments have shown that this herb can stimulate the spleen to increase hemoglobin and red blood cells. In recent years, it has often been combined with Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Sheng Di (Raw Rehmannia), and Shu Di to treat various types of anemia. 3. Codonopsis for Treating Primary Hypotension: Codonopsis 6g, Huang Qi 6g, Wu Wei Zi, Mai Dong, and Rou Gui (Cinnamon) each 3g. Grind into powder and take 6g each time, three times a day, for 30 days. 4. Codonopsis for Clearing Lung Heat, Nourishing Vital Qi, Opening the Voice, and Strengthening Muscles: One pound of Codonopsis (soft and sweet, sliced), half a pound of Sha Shen (Glehnia, sliced), and four ounces of Longan meat. Boil in water to make a concentrated decoction, drop water until it forms beads, and store in a ceramic container. Each time, take a wine cup and mix with hot water or pour into the decoction. (From “De Pei Ben Cao” on Codonopsis Paste) 5. Codonopsis for Treating Thirst and Dry Mouth in Heat Diseases: Codonopsis mixed with Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) in a 2:1 ratio to make a Codonopsis and Goji decoction, which has the effect of benefiting qi and generating fluids. 6. Codonopsis for Inhibiting or Killing Leprosy Bacilli: Equal amounts of Codonopsis, Chong Lou (Rhizoma Fritillaria), and the bark of Zhi Bao Tou (Bark of Zhi Mu) are used. Grind Codonopsis and Chong Lou into fine powder; then boil the bark of Zhi Bao Tou with an appropriate amount of water three times, concentrating the liquid to a certain amount (enough to soak the fine powder of Codonopsis and Chong Lou), add an appropriate amount of honey, and then mix the fine powders of Chong Lou and Codonopsis to form pills, each weighing three qian; it can also be made into a paste. Take three times a day, one pill each time, with warm water. (From the “Compilation of New Medical Methods” by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine)
7. Codonopsis for Treating Oral Ulcers in Children: One ounce of Codonopsis and five qian of Huang Bai (Phellodendron). Grind into fine powder and blow onto the affected area (From “Compilation of Proven TCM Recipes in Qinghai Province”)
8. Codonopsis for Treating Diarrhea and Prolapse of the Rectum due to Qi Deficiency in Childbirth: Codonopsis (remove the skin, stir-fried with rice) two qian, roasted Huang Qi, Bai Zhu (stir-fried), nutmeg powder, and Fu Ling each one qian and five fen, Huai Shan (stir-fried) two qian, Sheng Ma (honey-fried) six fen, and roasted Gan Cao seven fen. Add two slices of ginger and decoct. Or add five fen of processed Fu Zi (Aconite). (From “Necessary TCM Recipes”) 9. Codonopsis for Treating Damage to the Spleen and Stomach from Cold and Cool Potions, Resulting in Mouth and Tongue Ulcers: Codonopsis (roasted) and Huang Qi (roasted) each two qian, Fu Ling one qian, Gan Cao (raw) five fen, Bai Shao seven fen. Boil in plain water and take warm. (From “Throat Medicine Collection”) 10. Codonopsis for Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach: Insufficient qi of the spleen and stomach can lead to symptoms such as fatigue in the limbs, shortness of breath, poor appetite, and soft stools. This herb can enhance spleen and stomach function and benefit qi, and can be combined with Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, and Chen Pi (Five Flavors Decoction) or Bai Zhu, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Qian Shi (Euryale), Lian Rou (Lotus Seed), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), and Fu Ling (Shen Ling Bai Zhu San) for use. 11. Codonopsis for Treating Insufficient Middle Qi and Prolapse of Internal Organs: Codonopsis and roasted Huang Qi each 15g, Bai Zhu 9g, Sheng Ma 5g. Boil in water and take one dose daily.
Methods of Using Codonopsis： Dosage: For internal use: decoction, 6-15g; or as a paste, in pills, or powder. For generating fluids and nourishing blood, it is best used raw; for tonifying the spleen and benefiting the lungs, it is best used roasted. Contraindications: Not to be used in cases of excess conditions or heat conditions; in cases of deficiency of the righteous qi with excess pathogenic factors, it should not be used alone.
Codonopsis Porridge Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and benefits qi, suitable for symptoms of spleen and stomach qi deficiency, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and insufficient blood after illness. Ingredients: Codonopsis 10-15g, japonica rice 100-150g, brown sugar to taste. Method: Soak Codonopsis in warm water for 2 hours, then add to a clay pot with japonica rice, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook into a thin porridge, adding brown sugar and boiling again before serving. Usage: Take twice daily. Codonopsis and Goji Stewed Placenta Efficacy: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits qi and blood. Ingredients: Codonopsis 30g, Goji Berries 20g, Gan Cao 3g, 1/4 placenta, 100g lean pork. Method: Place the first three ingredients in a cloth bag, cut the pork into pieces, and put it in a pot with the cleaned placenta, add slices of ginger, cooking wine, and an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, skim off the foam, then simmer for 2 hours, and season to taste. Usage: Eat as desired. Codonopsis Baijiu (White Liquor) Efficacy: Tonifies the middle and benefits qi, strengthens the spleen, and stops diarrhea. Suitable for spleen deficiency diarrhea, weakness in the limbs, poor appetite, qi deficiency with wheezing, blood deficiency with pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations. Ingredients: Codonopsis 50g, white liquor 500ml. Method: Crush Codonopsis, place in a container, add white liquor, seal, and steep for 7 days, then strain. Usage: Oral intake, no time restriction, as desired. Codonopsis Lamb Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and tonifies deficiency, can be used to treat neurasthenia. Ingredients: Codonopsis 30g, lamb 250g. Method: Cut the lamb into thin slices, select good Codonopsis. In a pot, add vegetable oil, ginger strips, salt, and water, boil, then add Codonopsis, cook for 10 minutes, add lamb slices, and season with cooking wine, five-spice powder, and other seasonings, simmer briefly. Usage: This is a daily amount, can be eaten in portions. Contraindications: Avoid in cases of diarrhea due to damp-heat in the intestines. Codonopsis Millet Porridge Efficacy: Benefits qi and raises energy, suitable for uterine prolapse and shortness of breath with fatigue. Ingredients: Codonopsis 30g, Sheng Ma 10g, millet 50g. Method: First decoct Codonopsis and Sheng Ma, strain, then add millet to cook into porridge. Usage: Take twice daily on an empty stomach. Source: “Family Medicinal Cuisine” Codonopsis Red Date Stewed Chicken Ingredients: Chicken, Codonopsis, red dates, Goji Berries, ginger. Method: 1. Cut the whole chicken into pieces and blanch; 2. Clean and slice Codonopsis; 3. Briefly sauté the chicken pieces in oil, then add to boiling water; 4. After half an hour, add ginger and Codonopsis, simmer on low heat for 2 hours; 5. Finally, add red dates and Goji Berries; 6. After about 20 minutes, season and serve. Job’s Tears and Codonopsis Porridge Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen, promotes urination, benefits qi and blood, suitable for patients with hypertension and qi deficiency with damp obstruction. Ingredients: Job’s Tears 30g, Codonopsis 15g, rice 200g. Method: 1. Wash Job’s Tears, remove impurities, clean and slice Codonopsis, wash rice. 2. Place rice, Job’s Tears, and Codonopsis in a pot, add 1000ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 45 minutes. Usage: Take once daily, for breakfast. Codonopsis Mai Dong Lean Meat Soup Efficacy: Increases fluids, moistens dryness, nourishes the stomach, and generates fluids, suitable for heat diseases damaging fluids, symptoms include thirst, constipation, dry red tongue, or elderly with insufficient yin fluids, or diabetic thirst. Method: 1. Clean Codonopsis, Sheng Di Huang, Mai Dong, and red dates (pitted). 2. Clean and cut lean pork into pieces. 3. Place all ingredients in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, then simmer for 1 hour, season and serve. Codonopsis Red Date Drink Efficacy: Nourishes the spleen and stomach, suitable for patients with chronic gastritis. Ingredients: Codonopsis 30g, red dates 10 pieces. Method: Boil Codonopsis and red dates in water to extract the juice, drink as tea. Codonopsis Du Zhong Sago Porridge Ingredients: Codonopsis 40g, Du Zhong 30g, sago 50g. Method: Place Codonopsis and Du Zhong in a cloth bag, and cook with sago to make porridge. Efficacy: This porridge has the effects of nourishing yin, benefiting qi, and stabilizing pregnancy. Millet Codonopsis Tea Efficacy: Aids digestion, strengthens the stomach, and benefits the spleen, suitable for patients with duodenal ulcers. Ingredients: Millet 100g, Codonopsis 30g, rock sugar to taste. Method: Roast millet until golden. Dry Codonopsis and grind into powder. Place millet and Codonopsis in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, cook for 50 minutes, add rock sugar until dissolved, and drink the clear liquid. Take once daily. Codonopsis Beef Soup Efficacy: Tonifies the middle and benefits qi. Ingredients: Codonopsis 100g, beef brisket 500g. Method: Place Codonopsis in a cloth bag, cut beef into pieces, and place in a pot, add ginger, scallions, cooking wine, and an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, skim off the foam, then simmer for 3 hours until the beef is tender, remove Codonopsis, season and serve. Usage: Can be served with meals or consumed separately. Codonopsis Paste Indications: Fatigue, weak qi, poor appetite, and loose stools. Ingredients: Codonopsis 960g. Dosage: Boil Codonopsis three times, extract the juice, clarify and filter each time, evaporate to a concentrated syrup, add 20 jin of rock sugar to form a paste. Take one spoonful each time, dissolve in warm water. Source: “National Collection of Chinese Medicine Formulas” (Shanghai Edition). Black Rice Codonopsis Porridge Efficacy: Tonifies the middle and benefits qi, strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach. Suitable for symptoms of qi deficiency, weakness, and spleen and stomach deficiency leading to fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. Ingredients: Codonopsis 15g, Fu Ling 15g, ginger 5g, black rice 100g, rock sugar to taste. Method: Slice Codonopsis, ginger, and Fu Ling, boil with water to extract the juice, strain, and cook with black rice to make a thin porridge. Usage: Serve with meals. Contraindications: Avoid in cases of damp-heat or stomach heat. Mandarin Fish Codonopsis Soup Efficacy: Warms and tonifies the spleen and stomach, supports the spleen and nourishes the stomach, tonifies the middle and benefits qi, and strengthens the body. When combined with Chen Pi and Cao Guo, it can regulate qi, resolve stagnation, and eliminate dampness, making this soup nourishing without being cloying, and effective without harming the righteous qi. Ingredients: Mandarin fish 1000g, Codonopsis 10g, Cao Guo 2g, Chen Pi, Gui Pi (Cinnamon), and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) each 3g, pepper 10 grains, oil and salt to taste. Method: Clean the mandarin fish, remove the internal organs and gills, wash and set aside; clean Codonopsis, Cao Guo, Chen Pi, Gui Pi, and pepper, and place them in a clay pot with an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, then simmer until the fish is tender, season with salt and serve. Codonopsis Black Date Tea Efficacy: Those with insufficient qi and blood can drink this regularly to improve appetite and strengthen the spleen. Ingredients: Black dates 10 pieces, Codonopsis 30g, water 1000ml. Method: Wash Codonopsis and black dates, add water and boil. After boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 1 hour, then serve. Codonopsis Goji Tea Efficacy: Nourishes the spleen and strengthens the chest. Ingredients: Codonopsis 5 qian, Goji Berries 2 qian, Chuan Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) 0.5 qian, ginger 1 small piece, lean meat 3 liang. Method: 1. Place Codonopsis, Sichuan Pepper, ginger, and 3 bowls of water in a pot, simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes. 2. Add lean meat and continue to simmer for 3 minutes, then add Goji Berries and serve. Enema Codonopsis Formula Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and kidneys, benefits qi, indicated for ulcerative colitis of the spleen and kidney deficiency type. Ingredients: Codonopsis and Huang Qi each 30g, Qing Dai 20g, Bai Ji and Wu Yu each 30g. Method: Add the above herbs to 1500ml of water, decoct until 500ml remains, take 50-100ml per enema, once or twice daily. Codonopsis Stomach-Strengthening Rice Efficacy: Strengthens the stomach and aids digestion, suitable for poor appetite and abdominal distension in chronic gastritis. Ingredients: Codonopsis 3g, Hawthorn 6g, Chen Pi 2g, Shen Qu, japonica rice 280g, white sugar 30g. Method: Boil Codonopsis, Hawthorn, Chen Pi, and Shen Qu to extract the juice, dissolve in white sugar, then add washed japonica rice, and cook until done. Usage: Serve as a main meal. Codonopsis Loach Soup Efficacy: Benefits qi, supports yang, strengthens the spleen, and resolves dampness. Ingredients: Live loach 100g, Codonopsis 20g. Method: Clean the loach, marinate with a little salt and ginger for 15 minutes. In a pot, heat oil until hot, add loach and stir-fry until half-cooked, then add Codonopsis and appropriate broth, simmer until cooked, season with minced ginger, salt, scallions, and monosodium glutamate. Usage: Serve with meals. Codonopsis Frog Juice Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the lungs, benefits qi and blood, generates fluids and quenches thirst, can treat chronic nephritis, weakness, poor appetite, blood deficiency with pale complexion, insufficient middle qi, and fatigue, but should be avoided by pregnant women and on an empty stomach. Ingredients: 2 frogs, Codonopsis 3g, salt, and monosodium glutamate to taste. Method: 1. Clean the frogs, remove skin, and cut into pieces, place in a small stewing bowl; 2. Add Codonopsis and about 1 bowl of boiling water, stew for about 1 hour; 3. Remove the herb residue before eating, season with monosodium glutamate and salt. Codonopsis Frog Soup Efficacy: This soup can treat weakness caused by prolonged illness, postpartum recovery, aging, or excessive fatigue. Ingredients: 1 pound of frog, 3 liang of Codonopsis, 3 slices of ginger, a little salt. Method: Clean the frog, clean the Codonopsis, and ginger. In a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil, then add frog, Codonopsis, and ginger, boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2 hours, season with salt and serve. Goji Codonopsis Black Chicken Ingredients: 1 black chicken (about 750g), Codonopsis, Goji Berries 15g, salt, monosodium glutamate, cooking wine to taste, ginger, and scallions to taste. Method: 1. Cut the black chicken, remove the claws, cut off the tail, open from the back, remove the internal organs and trachea, and rinse clean; soak Goji Berries in water, rinse; cut Codonopsis into sections. 2. In a pot, boil 1000ml of water, add the black chicken, simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, then remove (reserve the chicken broth). 3. Place the black chicken in a soup bowl, add Codonopsis and Goji Berries, pour in the reserved chicken broth, add ginger slices, scallions, salt, and cooking wine, steam for 30 minutes until cooked, add monosodium glutamate, and steam for another 5 minutes, then serve directly. Efficacy: Tonifies qi, nourishes the liver and kidneys, nourishes yin, enhances vitality, and is a nourishing soup for women. Codonopsis Pork Rib Soup Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen, benefits the lungs, and dispels dampness. Ingredients: Codonopsis 30g, Huai Shan 15g, Yi Yi Ren 30g, pork ribs 200g. Method: Clean the pork ribs, chop; clean Codonopsis, Huai Shan, and Yi Yi Ren. Place all ingredients in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, then simmer for 3 hours, season and serve. Codonopsis Chrysanthemum Porridge Efficacy: Has the effect of soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen. Ingredients: Codonopsis 15g, Chrysanthemum 15g, japonica rice 150g, brown sugar to taste. Method: Wash Codonopsis, Chrysanthemum, and japonica rice, soak Codonopsis in warm water for 2 hours, then add japonica rice and Chrysanthemum to a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, boil vigorously, then simmer until the Codonopsis is soft and the porridge is thick, add a little brown sugar before serving. Codonopsis Bai Shao Soup Efficacy: Nourishes blood, softens the liver, alleviates pain, astringes sweat, treats excessive liver fire, and tonifies the middle and benefits qi. Ingredients: Codonopsis (4 pieces), Bai Shao (one liang), stewed meat (1 piece), red dates (10 pieces), water (5 bowls). Method: Cut Codonopsis into sections, pit the red dates, slice the stewed meat. Place all ingredients in a pot, simmer on low heat until reduced to 2 bowls.
