Codonopsis, Dǎng Shēn, 党参, Radix Codonopsis Pilosula
Disclaimer For educational purposes only. Do not use as medical advice
| Health Benefits |
| For: Chronic fatigue • Stress • Poor immune systems • Diabetes • Liver fibrosis • Impotence • Hormone imbalance • Chronic fatigue from fibromyalgia • Stress reducer • Menopause • immune functions and infection resistance • Liver functions • Low hair growth • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
| Attributes: analgesic • anti-inflammatory • antibacterial • hepatoprotective • adaptogen • anticoagulant • antineoplastic • antiplatelet • hyperglycemic • immunity booster |
| Products (online examples) | |||
 Dried Roots |
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| Photos (Click to enlarge) |
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| Fun Facts |
| Other Names: Poor Man's Ginseng • Tojin (Japanese) • Tangsam (Korean) Plant Family: Campanulaceae |
| Has the similar benefits as ginseng, but weaker in potency. It's also much cheaper than ginseng. There are over 40 Codonopsis species can be found in China. The 4 varieties used in TCM are the dry roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, or Codonopsis tangshen. “White dang-shen” is collected wild and is from Codonopsis tubulosa.² C. Pilosula is Dang Shen, the root traditionally used in Chinese medicine. C. Lanceolata is commonly used in Korean cuisine. |
| Species | |
| Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf • Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen • Codonopsis tangshen • Codonopsis tubulosa • Codonopsis lanceolata |
| Growth | |
| Codonopsis Pilosula , also call Cinnamomum Aromaticum, is in the USDA Plant Database. Drill down via USDA Interactive Map: |
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USA: Codonopsis Pilosula is not available in the wild. USDA Zones: 5-9. Native: Korea, China Habitats: River banks, stream banks, thickets. Bellflower is a perennial vine that can grow to two meters tall. The stems have a milky sap. The yellow to bright scarlet flowers are bell shaped. The plant is bisexual and relies on insects to pollinate. |
| Cooking | ||
| Category: Tonify Qi |
| English: Codonopsis Pinyin: Dang Shen Pharmaceutical: Radix Codonopsis Pilosula |
| Organs: Lung • Spleen Temperature: Neutral |
| Taste: Sweet Toxicity: Cloying |
| Patterns: Qi deficiency • Spleen qi deficiency |
| Actions: Tonify qi • Nourish blood • Strengthens middle jiao • Tonify lung qi • Generate blood • Generate fluids • Tonify spleen • Stimulates nervous system • Raises blood sugar • Expel pathogens Key 2nd Actions: Generate Fluids |
| Indications: Interior excess • Exterior pathogens • Poor appetite • Fatigue • Lung Qi Xu • Blood Xu • Diarrhea • Vomiting • prolapse of uterus, stomach, rectum • Wasting and thirsting disorder • Dizziness, Palpitations from qi and blood deficiency • Chronic cough • Shortness of breath • Weak voice |
| Contraindications: Excess heat • Qi stagnation • Autoimmune disorder • Infections in the digestive system • Yin deficiency • Stagnant fire • Hypertension • Bleeding disorders |
| Typical Dosage: 6-9g. Cordonopsis is neutral and can be eaten as food or taken as medicine. No observable toxicity or adverse effects when eaten for up to 5000 mg/kg of body weight.³ Dang shen can be eaten raw, as a tea, boiled in soup or water, steamed, extracted in alcohol, or in a capsule with root powder. Roots should be at least 2 years old to be effective. Guidelines |
| Parts Used: Roots |
| Other: |
| Combine With | Purpose |
| Wu Wei Zi + Mai Men Dong | Thirsty and shortness of breath |
| Dang Gui + Shu Di Huang | Qi and blood deficiency. Dizziness, weakness |
| Bai Zhu | Spleen Qi deficiency. poor appetite, loose stools, vomiting, PIXU |
| Huang Qi | Lung and spleen qi deficiency. Fatigue, diarrhea, poor appetite |
| Formulas with Dang Shen |
| Dang Shen can substitute for Ren Shen in formulas. Dang Shen is weaker and requires greater dosage to equal the strength of Ren Shen in a formula. In general, it is used in place of Ren Shen to tonify spleen qi and lung qi. Ren Shen is used for severe disorders like collapsed qi with devastated yang. |
| Alert |
Be cautions with all medicine.
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| Potential Drug Interactions |
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Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below: Herbs: ♦Incompatible - Li Lu ♦ Anticoagulants: American Ginseng, Arnica, Rou Gui, Chamomile, Dan Shen, Dang Gui, Deertongue, Sheng Jiang, Goji Berry, Ginko Nutes, Notoginseng, Peach Kernel, Hong Hua, Sweet Clover, Vanilla Grass ♦ May increase the risk of bleeding if taken with Ginkgo Nuts or supplements. Pharma Drugs:♦ Anticoagulants: asprin , clopidogrel (Plavix) , Coumadin , dipyridamole , enoxaparin , Heparin ♦ Drugs for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, phenytoin, and steroid drugs.² ♦ Hormonal effects of Peony may cause problems for women with estrogen sensitive diseases. This effect may also impact those on birth control pills and hormone therapy. ² |
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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