Dǎng Shēn · Codonopsis Root
Dǎng Shēn (党参, Codonopsis Root) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Qi Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Lung Qi, Tonify Spleen Qi, Nourish Blood.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Dǎng Shēn
- Characters
- 党参
- Botanical name
- Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Lung, Spleen
- Category
- Qi Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Lung Qi
- Tonify Spleen Qi
- Nourish Blood
- Generate Body Fluids
Traditional uses
- Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite and diarrhea
- Palpitations
- Whooping cough and wheezing
Studied effects and current applications
- Improves energy and stamina
- Supports digestion
- Gentle immune tonic
- Nourishes fluids
- Less stimulating than Ginseng
Applications under investigation
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive weakness
- Immune support
- Post-illness recovery
- Gentle energy tonic
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- None known
Relative contraindications
- Qi stagnation with fullness
- Acute infections
- Pregnancy
- Gentle tonic, often used during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Gentle, suitable for children.
- Older adults
- Excellent gentle tonic for elderly.
Possible adverse effects
- Rare: mild digestive upset
When to stop
- During acute infection
- Signs of excess
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inmunosupresores | Ciclosporina, Tacrolimus, Azatioprina | Moderate | Immunostimulant polysaccharides can antagonize immunosuppression Avoid or use only with supervision in transplants and immunosuppression. |
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin, Aspirin | Mild | Possible mild effect on platelet aggregation Monitorizar si hay riesgo de sangrado. |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 9-30 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-9 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term generally safe
- Children
- Gentle, safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 9-30g for 30-45 min. Can add to soups.
Traditional preparation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Polysaccharides, saponins and pyrrolidine alkaloids
Heteropolysaccharides · Immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, hematopoietic
Activation of macrophages and NK cells, stimulation of erythropoiesis · 20-40% in aqueous extract
Pyrrolidine alkaloid and monoterpene · Mild cholinergic, neuroprotective
Mild acetylcholinesterase inhibition, oxidative neuronal protection · 0.01-0.05%
Phenylpropanoids · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic
Free radical scavenging, HPA axis modulation · 0.05-0.15%
Alkaloids · Respiratory stimulant, anti-fatigue
Nicotinic nAChR receptor agonism · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November), 2-3 year old plants
Roots harvested when the plant goes dormant. Those from Shanxi (上党参 shàng dǎng shēn, the historical area of origin) are the most appreciated. The roots are shaken to remove soil, hung to pre-dry, and then manually flattened as they dry.
Root cleaned, softened with brief steam to facilitate cutting, cut into diagonal slices and dried. The characteristic ring scars are a sign of authenticity.
Slices mixed with diluted honey (20 ml per 100 g) and fried over medium heat until golden and not sticky.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
