Codonopsis Root
党参 · Dǎngshēn
Codonopsis pilosula
Family: Campanulaceae · Part used: Root (3+ year) · Origin: Weiyuan, Gansu, China
Nature
Neutral
Flavor
Sweet
Meridian
Spleen, Lung
Dang Shen — 'the people's ginseng' — emerged as the affordable everyday alternative to ginseng during the Qing dynasty. Gentler than ginseng yet genuinely qi-tonifying, it builds spleen and lung qi, generates fluids, and nourishes blood, making it the workhorse tonic root of family soup pots across China.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies spleen and lung qi
- •Nourishes blood and generates fluids
- •Supports the middle burner
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Fatigue and weakness
- •Poor appetite and loose stools
- •Shortness of breath on exertion
- •Dry mouth from fluid deficiency
- •Convalescence and post-illness recovery
📖 Usage & Dosage
9–30 g in decoction or simmered in soups for 40 minutes; can substitute ginseng at 3–4× the dose for gentle tonification.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Dang Shen Yang Wei Soup
Codonopsis 20 g + Chinese yam 20 g + poria 10 g with pork ribs — a gentle daily spleen tonic.
Four Gentlemen Broth
Codonopsis 15 g + bai zhu 10 g + poria 10 g + licorice 5 g — Si Jun Zi Tang, the base qi formula.
🔬 Modern Research
Codonopsis polysaccharides and alkaloids are studied for immune support, digestive function, and anti-fatigue effects.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with excess heat conditions. Not a substitute for ginseng in qi-collapse emergencies.
