As autumn winds rise, the best season for harvesting Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) from Changbai Mountain has arrived. Before winter, the above-ground stems and leaves of Dang Shen wither, and all nutrients flow back to the roots, making it the optimal time for medicinal use. The harvested Dang Shen can be washed and eaten raw on the spot. It can also be added to porridge, soups, or teas, making it an excellent ingredient for daily Qi and blood supplementation.Dang Shen, also known as Huang Shen (Yellow Codonopsis) or Huang Dang (Yellow Dang), is the dried root of the plants in the Campanulaceae family, including Dang Shen, Su Hua Dang Shen (Smooth Flower Codonopsis), and Chuan Dang Shen (Sichuan Codonopsis). It is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor. It thrives in cool, moist climates, typically growing in mountainous areas above 1200 meters, and is characterized by its cold and damp resistance. Dang Shen is primarily produced in Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, and Sichuan, with wild Dang Shen from Changbai Mountain being the best.
A “Little Ginseng” for Qi and Blood Supplementation!
Dang Shen is a commonly used traditional tonic in China. In TCM, ginseng is known for its Qi-boosting properties but lacks blood-nourishing effects; Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) nourishes blood but lacks Qi-boosting power. However, Dang Shen uniquely supplements both Qi and blood!Modern scientific experiments have found that Dang Shen can stimulate the spleen’s vitality, increasing hemoglobin and red blood cells, making it commonly used to treat various types of anemia.Dang Shen has significant medicinal effects but is neutral and balanced. It boosts Qi without causing heat, nourishes without generating dampness, enriches blood without being greasy, strengthens the spleen without causing dryness, and moistens the lungs without being cold. It is suitable for men, women, the elderly, and the young, and even children with weak constitutions can consume it.If Yin Er (Tremella fuciformis) is the gentle herb among Yin-nourishing medicines, Dang Shen is the gentle herb among those named “ginseng.” For individuals with both Yin and Yang deficiencies, consuming Yin-nourishing herbs may cause coldness, while Qi and Yang-boosting herbs may cause heat; thus, Yin Er and Dang Shen are very suitable. If Yin deficiency is prominent, Yin Er can be consumed year-round. If there are significant signs of both Qi and blood deficiency, Dang Shen can be taken long-term.
The commentary in the “Ben Cao Zheng Yi” is particularly insightful, stating that Dang Shen “is stronger than Liao Shen (Northeast Ginseng) but less feminine, and has a robust flavor compared to Korean Ginseng but is slightly less intense; it is particularly balanced and suitable for nourishing all five organs without any contraindications…”This means that while Northeast ginseng (Liao Shen) and Korean ginseng have powerful effects, one is more gentle and the other more intense, whereas Dang Shen is balanced and can nourish all five organs, making it widely applicable. Dang Shen possesses most of the benefits of ginseng, although it is weaker in potency, it is favored for its balanced properties, earning it the nickname “Little Ginseng,” and is often used as a substitute for ginseng.Therefore, in ancient and modern prescriptions that require ginseng, Dang Shen can be used as a substitute. It can also be used for various conditions that require ginseng treatment.
The “Golden Partners” of Dang Shen
Dang Shen is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, beneficial for Qi and blood nourishment, strengthening the spleen, supplementing the lungs, generating fluids, regulating lung deficiency cough, adjusting blood pressure, uplifting spirits, and enhancing memory. Finding the right “partner” enhances its efficacy.
Dang Shen with Huang Qi: Nourishes the middle Qi and enhances immunity, suitable for those with insufficient middle Qi, weak cough, asthma, fatigue, and poor resistance. Adding Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) improves the anti-disease effect; studies show it can exceed the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis prevention) and has been used in cases of brain tumors.
Dang Shen with Lian Zi: Regulates the spleen and stomach, suitable for those with stomach diseases, poor digestion, and unformed stools.
Dang Shen with Dang Gui: Activates blood and generates new blood, nourishes liver blood, suitable for those with blood stasis constitution, cardiovascular diseases, irregular menstruation, dizziness, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
Dang Shen with Gui Yuan: Supplements both Qi and blood, nourishes heart blood, suitable for those with insufficient heart blood and shallow sleep.
If there is Qi stagnation, chest tightness, heavy dampness, or frequent phlegm and cough, the above formulas can be enhanced with a bit of Chen Pi (dried tangerine peel) for better results.
Dang Shen as a Tonic for Qi and Blood Dang Shen is not only commonly found in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions but can also be used in daily life to make soups, porridge, steamed rice, cooked vegetables, and Dang Shen jerky. It has now been included in the list of food-medicine homology.1. Dang Shen Chrysanthemum Porridge【Method】: Soak 15 grams of Dang Shen in warm water for two hours, then add 150 grams of japonica rice and 15 grams of chrysanthemum to a clay pot, add appropriate water, bring to a boil over high heat, then switch to low heat and simmer until the Dang Shen is soft and the porridge is thick. Add a little brown sugar before serving.【Effect】: Helps soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen.
2. Dang Shen Goji Chicken Soup【Method】: Take 30 grams of Dang Shen, 30 grams of goji berries, 30 grams of longan, and 150 grams of chicken, and place them in a clay pot. Simmer over low heat until cooked, then add a small amount of cooking wine, salt, and seasonings to taste.【Effect】: Treats Qi and blood deficiency, especially suitable for symptoms like pale and atrophied gums, exposed tooth roots, loose teeth, pale tongue, thin white coating, and fine, deep pulse.
3. Two Ginseng and Ophiopogon Soup【Method】: 15 grams of Dang Shen, 15 grams of Sha Shen (Ophiopogon japonicus), 10 grams of Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum), 10 grams of Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), and 200 grams of lean pork. Clean the pork and cut it into small pieces, then add it to the cleaned Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, and Mai Dong in a clay pot, and simmer with appropriate water for 1-1.5 hours.【Effect】: Nourishes Qi, generates fluids, and benefits Yin.
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