Click the blue words to follow us
Inheriting the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and spreading TCM culture
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula)
【Scientific Name】Dang Shen
【Alias】Huang Shen, Fang Dang Shen, Shang Dang Shen, Shi Tou Shen, Zhong Ling Cao.
【Preparation】This product is the dried root of the plant Codonopsis pilosula, or its varieties such as Codonopsis tangshen or Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta. It is harvested in autumn, cleaned of soil, soaked, peeled, sliced or cut into sections, and then dried.
【Properties and Channels Entered】Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.
【Functions and Indications】Strengthens the Spleen and benefits the Lung, nourishes blood and generates fluids. Used for 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.
【Common Medicinal Dishes】
1. Dang Shen Glutinous Rice Porridge
Ingredients:30g Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), 10g Goji Berries, appropriate amount of glutinous rice, 2-3 eggs.
Method:Wash the Dang Shen and Goji Berries thoroughly, soak the glutinous rice in water for 15 minutes. Place the Dang Shen on a plate and steam with the egg whites for 20 minutes until cooked. Cut the steamed Dang Shen into sections, then add it along with the soaked glutinous rice into a rice cooker with an appropriate amount of purified water and select the porridge setting. Add Goji Berries 15 minutes before the porridge is done.
Effects:Strengthens the Spleen, benefits Qi, and dispels dampness. Nourishes Yin and blood, and moisturizes the skin, suitable for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency with dampness, such as poor appetite and loose stools.
2. Red Date and Dang Shen Tea
Method:10g Dang Shen, 4 red dates, decoct in water and drink as tea.
Effects:Tonifies the Lung and Spleen, benefits Qi and nourishes blood, suitable for fatigue, weakness, and drowsiness caused by Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency in autumn.
3. Dang Shen and Astragalus Tea
Method:10g Dang Shen, 10g roasted Astragalus (Huang Qi), 5g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), 5 red dates, decoct in water and drink as tea.
Effects:Tonifies the middle, benefits Qi, strengthens the Spleen and Lung, generates fluids and nourishes blood. Regular consumption can enhance immunity and is very effective for those recovering from serious illness, with weakness and excessive sweating.
4. Dang Shen and Angelica Chicken Soup
Method:10g Dang Shen, 5g Angelica (Dang Gui), 10 red dates, 1 chicken. Clean and cut the chicken into pieces; place all ingredients in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for 1 hour before seasoning. Consume the meat and drink the soup.
Effects:Regular consumption is beneficial for Qi and blood, making it a very suitable soup for those with insufficient Qi and blood, dull skin, weakness in hands and feet, and those who easily feel fatigued and dizzy.
【Legend】According to legend, the immortals Lü Dongbin and Tie Guaili traveled from the Central Plains to the Taihang Mountains and saw a wild boar rolling on the hillside. They approached to investigate and found a plant resembling a bean vine. Tie Guaili dug it up, chewed it, and continued on with Lü Dongbin. After a while, Lü Dongbin was out of breath, while Tie Guaili remained unaffected. Later, they met a woodcutter who informed them that Tie Guaili had eaten a miraculous herb. This herb was discovered by a family in the ancient Shangdang County, who heard voices calling them at night. Following the sound, they found an unusual plant resembling a human form nearby, which they named “Dang Shen” after its origin in Shangdang County.
【Precautions】Should not be taken by those with internal excess or heat syndromes, and it is not suitable to use with Li Lu (Veratrum).
(Some content sourced from the internet; if there are any copyright issues, please contact for removal)
Editor: Yang Zhonghai
Proofreader: Yang Juan Reviewed by: Yang Wenzhong
