Dang Shen: A natural herb that nourishes the middle qi, soothes the stomach, promotes fluid secretion, and strengthens immunity
- Hongji Medical Group
- Mar 8
- 5 min read
Dangshen, also known as "Shangdang ginseng", is an important herb in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. It has a long history and is widely used, and is trusted by doctors and patients. Dangshen was first seen in "Shennong Bencao Jing" and was listed as a top-grade product. The book states: "Dangshen tastes sweet, is neutral in nature, and is mainly used to replenish qi, harmonize the stomach, produce fluid, and eliminate thirst." Since then, it has been recorded in medical books of successive dynasties such as "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Compendium of Materia Medica Shiyi".
Li Shizhen said in Compendium of Materia Medica that it " tonifies the middle and replenishes qi, harmonizes the stomach and produces body fluid, eliminates thirst, and long-term consumption makes the body light and prolongs life." These ancient books not only reflect the important position of Dangshen in traditional Chinese medicine, but also provide valuable data for later research and application. This article will comprehensively introduce this treasure of traditional Chinese medicine from many aspects, including the origin of Dangshen and the evaluation of ancient medical books, plant characteristics, differences between different varieties, indications, efficacy, modern application and precautions.
Plant characteristics of Gastrodia elata
Codonopsis pilosula belongs to the Campanulaceae family and its scientific name is Codonopsis pilosula. Its rhizome is cylindrical, slightly curved, with a yellowish-white or grayish-yellow surface and longitudinal grooves.
The stem of the plant is slender, with alternate leaves that are ovate or elliptical with serrated edges. The flowering period is from July to September, and the corolla is bell-shaped, light yellow with purple spots. The fruiting period is from September to October, and the fruit is a capsule that cracks when mature.
Dang Shen is mainly distributed in Northeast, North China, Northwest China and other regions, with Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu and other places as the main production areas. Its growth environment is mostly in mountains, hills, forest edges and bushes at an altitude of 1000-3000 meters. It likes warm and humid climate, is cold-resistant, drought-resistant and has strong adaptability.
The difference between different varieties of Dang Shen
There are many varieties of ginseng, including Shangdang ginseng, Ludang ginseng, and Sichuan ginseng. Shangdang ginseng is produced in Shangdang, Shanxi Province, and has the best quality. It is known as the "king of ginseng". Its rhizome is thick and bright in color, and has significant medicinal effects . Ludang ginseng is produced in Luzhou, Shanxi Province, with thinner rhizomes and darker colors, but also good medicinal effects. Sichuan ginseng is produced in Sichuan Province, with shorter rhizomes, lighter colors, and slightly inferior medicinal effects.
Different varieties of ginseng have slightly different medicinal effects, but all have the effects of nourishing the middle and replenishing qi, harmonizing the stomach and promoting the production of body fluids. Shangdang ginseng is the best quality and is often used in high-end medicinal materials and tonics. Ludang ginseng and Sichuan ginseng are mostly used in ordinary medicinal materials and daily health products.
Indications and effects of Dangshen
The main effects of Codonopsis pilosula are to nourish the middle and replenish qi, harmonize the stomach and promote the production of body fluid, and eliminate thirst. Its applicable symptoms include spleen and stomach weakness, poor appetite and loose stools, fatigue, lung deficiency cough , shortness of breath and palpitations, dry mouth and tongue, etc. Codonopsis pilosula also has the effects of enhancing immunity, resisting fatigue and anti-aging, and has a good regulating effect on the sub-health state caused by high work pressure and fast pace of life of modern people.
The effect of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi makes it a good medicine for treating weak spleen and stomach . People with weak spleen and stomach often have poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue and weakness. Taking dangshen can effectively improve these symptoms. The effect of dangshen in soothing the stomach and promoting body fluids makes it effective in treating symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst. In addition, dangshen also has the effect of enhancing immunity, which helps prevent colds and improve the body's resistance.
Modern Applications of Dangshen
Modern medical research shows that Radix Codonopsis contains a variety of active ingredients, such as Radix Codonopsis polysaccharides, Radix Codonopsis saponins, Radix Codonopsis alkaloids, etc. These ingredients have a variety of pharmacological effects, such as enhancing immunity, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, lowering blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, etc. The modern applications of Radix Codonopsis mainly include the following aspects:
Enhance immunity : Dangshen polysaccharide has the effect of enhancing immunity, which can improve the body's resistance and prevent colds and other infectious diseases.
Anti-fatigue : Codonopsis saponins have anti-fatigue effects and can improve fatigue caused by high work pressure and fast pace of life.
Anti-aging : Radix Codonopsis pilosulae has anti-aging effects, which can delay the aging process and maintain body health.
Lowering blood sugar : Dangshen has the effect of lowering blood sugar and has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on diabetic patients.
Lowering blood lipids : Dangshen has the effect of lowering blood lipids and has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on patients with hyperlipidemia.
The modern application of Codonopsis pilosula is not limited to the field of traditional Chinese medicine, but is also widely used in health care products, cosmetics, etc. Codonopsis pilosula extract is added to various health care products for enhancing immunity, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, etc. Codonopsis pilosula extract is also added to cosmetics to improve skin conditions and delay aging.
Notes
Although Dang Shen has many functions, you still need to pay attention to the following points when using it:
Overdose : Although Dangshen is a tonic, overdose may cause adverse reactions, such as bloating, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, you should follow the doctor's instructions when taking it and avoid overdose.
Contraindications : Dang Shen is not suitable for everyone. People with colds and fevers, people with excessive dampness and heat, and pregnant women should use it with caution or avoid it.
Drug interactions : Dangshen may interact with certain drugs, such as hypoglycemic drugs, hypolipidemic drugs, etc. Therefore, when taking Dangshen, you should pay attention to drug interactions to avoid adverse reactions.
Storage method : Ginseng should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity environment to prevent deterioration.
Conclusion
As a traditional Chinese medicinal material, Codonopsis pilosula has a long history and wide application. Its effects of nourishing the middle and replenishing qi, harmonizing the stomach and promoting the production of body fluid, and eliminating thirst make it a good medicine for treating symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness, dry mouth and tongue. Modern medical research has further confirmed the various pharmacological effects of Codonopsis pilosula, making it widely used in health care products, cosmetics and other fields. However, when using Codonopsis pilosula, attention should still be paid to issues such as appropriate dosage, contraindications, and drug interactions to ensure safety and effectiveness. I hope this article can help everyone to fully understand Codonopsis pilosula, so that this treasure of Chinese medicine can better serve human health.
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