Indications of Codonopsis root
Codonopsis root is indicated for :
- Digestive problems leading to lack of appetite, general fatigue (including when this is more pronounced after meals), diarrhea.
- Lung disorders resulting in chronic cough, phlegm and/or shortness of breath.
On a more global level, it is indicated for :
- Stimulate the immune system
- Stimulate the nervous system
- Increase red and white blood cells
- Improve macrophage function
- Improve blood circulation
- Its anti-fatigue effect
Properties according to Chinese medicine
- Tonify spleen and lung
- Harmonizes spleen and stomach
- Elevate Qi
- Generates liquids
Instructions for use and dosage
Decoction :
Rinse the herbs in cold water and place 8g of codonopsis root in a glass, stainless steel, Pyrex or terracotta container. Pour in 300ml spring water or filtered water. Heat over high heat until it comes to the boil, then turn down to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Drink the liquid.
Contraindication :
Contraindicated if you’ve caught a cold, flu or heatstroke.
Codonopsis root is also contraindicated when there is a rise in liver Yang or liver fire.
This means that if you have at least 2 of the symptoms listed below, Codonopsis root is not for you.
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Sudden deafness
- Red and/or dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Dry (and possibly warm) throat
- Insomnia
- Irritability, anger both internalized and externalized
- Heat on palms, soles and head
- Shallow breathing
- Dyspnea
- Prefers cold drinks
- Dark urine
- Constipation
A word from David Brun
(Graduate of the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Dang Shen (党参), i.e. Codonopsis root, is called the poor man’s ginseng because it has similar properties and functions to Panax Ginseng but is less potent, and because it is less expensive.
Note that Codonopsis root is more suitable than ginseng for many problems.






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