In Chinese herbal medicine, codonopsis is considered to tone the qui, lungs, and spleen. It improves vitality and helps to balance metabolic function. It is a gentle tonic remedy that helps to revive the system as a whole. Codonopsis is taken in particular for tired limbs, general fatigue, and for digestive problems such as appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Botanical Name
Codonopsis pilosula
Part Used
Root
Common Names
Dang Shen
Brief History
Codonopsis has a central place in Chinese herbal medicine as a gentle tonic that increase energy levels and helps the body adapt to stress for both sexes. Research has confirmed this use. Codonopsis is thought to be similar in action to ginseng, but it is milder and has a shorter-lasting effect. It is given to those who find ginseng too strong a tonic and is used interchangeably with ginseng in Chinese herbal formulas.
Constituents
triterpenoid saponins, sterins, alkaloid (perlolyrin), alkenyl & alkenyl glycosides, polysaccharides, tangshenoside I
Therapeutic Properties
adaptogenic, stimulant, chi tonic, demulcent, expectorant
Vitalist Properties
Temperature: Warm
Moisture: Neutral
Therapeutic Indications
Fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath associated with chronic cough or palpitation. Coronary heart disease. Improving red blood cell production and haemoglobin concentration. Adjuvant therapy for cancer
Primary Uses
Blood and Stamina
Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that codonopsis increases haemoglobin and red blood cell levels, and lowers blood pressure.
Other research has confirmed the ability of codonopsis to help increase endurance to stress and to maintain alertness. Codonopsis is reputedly more successful in reducing levels of adrenaline, and therefore stress, than ginseng.
Fatigue, Milk Production.
Codonopsis is taken in particular for tired limbs, general fatigue, and for digestive problems such as appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The herb is taken regularly by nursing mothers in China to increase milk production and as a tonic to build strong blood.
Dosage (Divided Daily)
• Dried Herb: 3,000 – 6,000mg
• Herbal tea: 1/2 cup twice daily
Contraindications
None known
Side effects
None known
Interactions with other drugs
None known
Bibliography
- Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: Herbal formulations for the individual patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone.
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Chevallier, A. (2000) Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
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Herbalpedia (2013)
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