In our excellent traditional culture, especially in health culture, the saying “food and medicine share the same source” is often mentioned. This means that many foods are also medicines, and there is no absolute boundary between them. Ancient physicians applied the theories of the “Four Natures” and “Five Flavors” of Chinese medicine to food, believing … Read more
When it comes to Dong Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), many are familiar with it. It is not only a frequently used tonic herb but also an essential dietary ingredient in the kitchen. Historically, Dong Shen was not mentioned in many classical texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing, Xinxiu Bencao, and Zhenglei Bencao prior to the … Read more
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) is a well-known medicinal herb that is widely used in clinical practice, particularly for tonifying the spleen and stomach qi. It is also commonly used in daily dishes, not only for its rich nutritional value but also for its ability to nourish the body and prevent and treat diseases, making it … Read more
“Codonopsis, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Dang Shen. Other names include: Shangdang Ginseng, Fangfeng Dang Shen, Huang Shen, Fang Dang Shen, Shangdang Shen, Lion’s Head Ginseng, and Zhongling Grass. It is the root of the plant Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., belonging to the Campanulaceae family, or the root of Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. It … Read more
Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is the dried root of the plants Codonopsis pilosula, Codonopsis tangshen, or Codonopsis lanceolata, belonging to the Campanulaceae family. Codonopsis has a sweet flavor and a neutral nature, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Its effects include tonifying the Spleen, benefiting the Lung, nourishing the blood, and generating fluids. Codonopsis is neutral … Read more
The Series of Food and Medicine Origin – Codonopsis Codonopsis Codonopsis (Scientific name: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Campanulaceae family. It has a milky sap. The stem base has multiple tuberous scars, and the roots are often enlarged, spindle-shaped or spindle-shaped cylindrical. The stem is twining, either sterile or … Read more
Introduction to Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) and Its Benefits Over 5000 types of medicinal materials are introduced, sharing the efficacy and functions of one herb each day to help more people understand the knowledge of Chinese medicinal materials~~~ Spreading knowledge of Chinese medicine and promoting traditional Chinese culture! Chinese medicine features unique herbs, and do … Read more
Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), originally named Huang Qi, first appeared in the “Fifty-Two Disease Formulas”. The “Shen Nong’s Materia Medica” classifies Huang Qi as a superior herb, with Li Shizhen explaining its name: “Qi means long; Huang Qi is yellow in color, and as a long-lasting tonic, it is named accordingly.” Historical Stories One According … Read more
Astragalus was first recorded for medicinal use in the “Fifty-Two Diseases Formulas”. Due to the varying accounts in historical materia medica regarding its origin, variety, appearance, efficacy, and even cultural anecdotes, it has not only been properly named but has also acquired various aliases. The proper name for Astragalus is quite clear, referred to as … Read more
Author: Zhu Haiqing, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Astragalus (Huang Qi) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb and one of the most important tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In daily life, we often encounter health enthusiasts who use Astragalus as a health supplement, but sometimes people ask me, “Pharmacist Zhu, … Read more