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Dang Shen (黨參), the root of Codonopsis pilosula, is a moderate, gentle tonic of the Spleen and Lung qi. It has a similar but milder action to Ren Shen and is widely used in its place for everyday qi deficiency, also generating fluids and tonifying the blood.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Codonopsis pilosula (Radix Codonopsis)
Common English Name
Codonopsis root
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Lung, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the Spleen and Lung qi
- Tonifies the blood and generates fluids
Indications
Spleen and Lung qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools and shortness of breath; and qi and blood deficiency.
Dosage
9-30 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
Frequently replaces Ren Shen in tonic formulas such as Si Jun Zi Tang; with Huang Qi to tonify qi.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in excess and heat patterns.
