Codonopsis, also known as Lu Dangshen, Tai Dangshen, and Fangshen, is the dried root of the plant Codonopsis pilosula, which belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It was included in the list of food-medicine homologous substances in 2018.Today, let us delve into the benefits and combination formulas of Codonopsis!
Characteristics
The root has dense ring-like transverse wrinkles at the head, which gradually become sparse downwards, with some reaching half the total length; the entire root has longitudinal wrinkles and scattered transverse skin-like protrusions. The root often has blackish-brown gelatinous substances at the branching points. Additionally, the head of the root has numerous wart-like protrusions from the stem and buds.
Functions and Indications
1. Loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea due to Spleen Qi deficiency;
2. Shortness of breath and spontaneous sweating due to Lung Qi deficiency;
3. Shortness of breath and thirst due to both Qi and body fluids deficiency;
4. Dizziness and palpitations due to blood deficiency and sallow complexion.
Eight Major Benefits
1. Tonifies Lung Qi
Codonopsis can resolve phlegm and relieve cough, used for insufficient Lung Qi, low voice, shortness of breath upon exertion, or deficiency of both Lung and Kidney, with symptoms of shortness of breath and cough.
2. Nourishes Blood and Tonifies Qi
Codonopsis has the effect of tonifying Qi and generating blood, suitable for treating both Qi and blood deficiency, applicable for symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, sallow complexion, dizziness, and palpitations.
3. Enhances Physical Strength
Codonopsis and its polysaccharides can increase the number of macrophages, enlarge cell volume, and enhance phagocytic function, thereby improving the body’s immunity and reducing the likelihood of illness.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
After entering the body, Codonopsis can dilate peripheral blood vessels, increase blood flow, and thus lower blood pressure.
5. Protects the Liver
Codonopsis can enhance the absorption of chylomicrons and effectively combat liver damage, having a hepatoprotective effect.
6. Treats Gastric Ulcers
Modern studies have found that drinking Codonopsis tea can regulate gastrointestinal motility and inhibit gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing the activity of proteases in the stomach, providing a certain resistance to ulcers.
7. Benefits Qi and Generates Body Fluids
Codonopsis has the function of tonifying Qi and generating body fluids, commonly used for exogenous febrile diseases, heat injuring Qi and body fluids, restlessness, thirst, and heat injuring both Qi and Yin, with significant fluid depletion.
8. Lowers Blood Sugar
Modern medical research indicates that Codonopsis can improve insulin resistance to a certain extent, thus having a blood sugar-lowering effect.
Combination Formulas
1. Codonopsis + Astragalus: Tonifies Middle Qi and Enhances Immunity
Dosage:10g each of Codonopsis and Astragalus, decoct or steep in hot water as a tea.
Suitable for:Individuals with insufficient Middle Qi, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and low immunity.
Service Note:Codonopsis and Astragalus tonify Spleen and Lung Qi; when used together, they enhance Middle Qi and elevate Yang Qi, ensuring sufficient Middle Qi.
2. Codonopsis + Lotus Seed: Regulates Spleen and Stomach
Dosage:10g of Codonopsis and 10g of Lotus Seed, decoct, eat the seeds, drink the soup, or steep in hot water repeatedly as a tea.
Suitable for:Individuals with stomach issues, poor digestion, chronic diarrhea, or loose stools.
Service Note:Codonopsis tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, while Lotus Seed tonifies Spleen and stops diarrhea, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach when used together.
3. Codonopsis + Angelica: Activates Blood and Generates Blood, Tonifies Liver Blood
Dosage:10g of Codonopsis and 5g of Angelica, decoct or steep in hot water as a tea.
Suitable for:Individuals with blood stasis constitution, cardiovascular diseases, irregular menstruation, dizziness, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
Service Note:
4. Codonopsis + Longan: Nourishes Qi and Blood, Tonifies Heart Blood
Dosage:10g of Codonopsis and 8 pieces of Longan, steep in hot water as a tea.
Suitable for:Individuals with insufficient Heart Blood, shallow sleep, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, elderly and weak individuals, or those with chronic illnesses.
Service Note:Codonopsis tonifies Qi and nourishes blood, while Longan nourishes Heart and Spleen, calming the mind; together, they nourish both Qi and blood.
5. Codonopsis + Ophiopogon + Schisandra: Benefits Qi, Nourishes Yin, and Generates Body Fluids
Dosage:9g of Codonopsis, 9g of Ophiopogon, and 6g of Schisandra, decoct for consumption.
Suitable for:Individuals who sweat easily, have weak limbs, poor spirit, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dry mouth and throat, and poor appetite.
Service Note:Codonopsis tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, Ophiopogon nourishes Yin and clears heat, generating body fluids; Schisandra astringes Yin and stops sweating. Together, they benefit Qi, nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, relieve cough, and quench thirst.
6. Codonopsis + Red Dates: Tonifies Lung and Strengthens Spleen, Nourishes Qi and Blood
Dosage:10g of Codonopsis and 4 Red Dates, steep in hot water as a tea.
Suitable for:Individuals experiencing fatigue, weakness, and drowsiness due to Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency.
Service Note:Codonopsis tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, while Red Dates nourish blood; together, they tonify Qi and blood, ensuring abundant Qi and blood, alleviating various symptoms.
Source: Combination Therapy
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