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:
Panax Ginseng – USDA Plant Database
Texas – USDA Plant Database
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.
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
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.
None noted
Potential Drug Interactions
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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