Plum Dragon Herbs

Dang Shen (Codonopsis)

$6.50 $8.00

Codonopsis root, also known as "Dang Shen," is a highly sought-after traditional Chinese herb used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for promoting overall wellness. Our Codonopsis root is carefully selected and cleaned to ensure purity and potency. Dang Shen is commonly used by for its ability to support a healthy immune system and for its adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress. It is also traditionally used to support respiratory health and for conditions such as coughing, chest congestion, and sinusitis. Dang Shen is also used to promote a healthy cardiovascular system, and as a natural remedy to help with fatigue and weakness.

Dang Shen is considered to be sweet, slightly warm and non-toxic. It is mainly used to tonify the qi (energy) and to improve digestion. It is also used to help with the symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and to help with respiratory conditions. It is also said to help with the removal of excess fluids from the body and it is used to nourish the blood. It is also used to strengthen the immune system, and to help with the symptoms of anemia.

This product is suitable for vegetarians, contains no artificial ingredients or fillers, and is gluten-free. Get your hands on our premium grade Dang Shen today and experience the benefits of this ancient herb for yourself.

High Quality Dang Shen: What does it look like?

High-quality Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) can be described as having the following characteristics:

  • Appearance: Dried Dang Shen typically has a reddish-brown to dark brown color, with a thin, elongated shape. It should be free from any impurities or debris. It should be plump, not too thin or too thick, and have a uniform shape.

  • Aroma: Dang Shen has a mild, slightly sweet and earthy aroma. The aroma should be consistent and not too strong or overpowering.

  • Taste: Dang Shen has a mild, slightly sweet and slightly bitter taste, it is not considered to have a strong taste. The taste should be consistent and not too strong or overpowering.

  • Texture: Dang Shen should have a thin, elongated shape and should be easy to break or crush and should not be too hard or too soft. It should not be brittle or crumbly, and should not have any signs of mold or discoloration.

  • Size and Shape: Dang Shen is typically long and thin, it may be round or oval-shaped, and the size can vary.

  • Moisture content: High-quality Dang Shen should be dry, but not too dry. It should be free from any moisture, but not too dry that it becomes brittle.

  • Purity: High-quality Dang Shen should be free from any contaminants, such as dust, sand, or other impurities. It should be free from any pesticide or chemical residue.

How is Dang Shen prepared and processed?

Dang Shen is a perennial herb that is native to China and other parts of Asia. It grows best in regions with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils. It prefers cool, moist environments and can thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas. It is usually found growing in the wild on mountain slopes, in valleys and along streams.

The optimal growing conditions for Codonopsis include well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant prefers a moderate level of moisture and should be watered regularly during the growing season. In addition, the root should be harvested in the late fall or early winter, when the plant has stored the most energy in its roots.

Codonopsis is a hardy plant and can grow in a variety of conditions, but it does best in cooler climates with adequate moisture. It is also a relatively easy plant to grow, making it a popular choice for cultivation.

When mature, the codonopsis root is typically processed by washing, slicing and drying the root. When the root is harvested, it is cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. It is then sliced into pieces, which allows for more effective drying and easier powdering if desired. The sliced root is then dried in the sun or in a dehydrator until it is completely dry and brittle.

The dried root is then stored in a cool, dry place until it is ready to be used. To prepare it for use, the dried root is often soaked in water to rehydrate it before being used in decoctions or other preparations.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one common method of preparation of Dang Shen is to simmer the sliced or powdered root in water for a period of time to extract its medicinal properties. This decoction can then be consumed as a tea or used as a base for other herbal formulas.

Another way is to make a tincture, where the root is soaked in alcohol to extract its medicinal properties. This tincture can then be taken as a liquid extract, or added to other formulas.

Dang Shen is also commonly used in combination with other herbs to create complex formulas to treat a variety of health conditions. It is believed to help nourish and strengthen the lungs, spleen and stomach, and is used to boost energy, improve digestion and reduce fatigue.

Popular Recipe for Dang Shen

Here is a recipe for a traditional Chinese soup that includes Dang Shen:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of dried Dang Shen
  • 1 lb of pork (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 cups of vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp of oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water or broth to cover the ingredients

Instructions:

  1. Soak the dried Dang Shen in water for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Drain the Dang Shen and rinse them.
  3. Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
  4. In a pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic and stir fry until fragrant.
  6. Add the pork to the pot and stir fry until it is browned.
  7. Add the sliced Dang Shen to the pot and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the vegetables to the pot and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Add enough water or broth to cover the ingredients.
  10. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  11. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Note: you can adjust the quantity of Dang Shen to your preference and also add other ingredients such as ginger, scallions, or tofu to suit your taste.

It's important to note that Dang Shen should be used with caution because it can interact with other medications, and it can cause side effects like dry mouth and gastrointestinal discomfort. It's always recommended consulting with a licensed healthcare practitioner before using it.

Safety Precautions for the use of Dang Shen

When using Dang Shen, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  1. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner: A qualified practitioner can help determine the appropriate dosage and any potential interactions with other medications or conditions.

  2. Use a reputable source: Make sure the Dang Shen is sourced from a reputable supplier and is free from contaminants.

  3. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Dang Shen should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

  4. Use with caution if you have bleeding disorder: Dang Shen may increase the risk of bleeding, so people with bleeding disorders should use it with caution.

  5. Discontinue use if you experience any adverse side effects: Stop using Dang Shen and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse side effects.

  6. Keep out of reach of children: Store Dang Shen in a safe place out of reach of children.

  7. Keep track of your symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, and report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that this is a general guideline and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist to determine the right dosage and usage for you

Additional Information about Dang Shen:

Common Names: Dang Shen Root (Codonopsis Root); Pilose Asia Bell Root; Codonopsis Pilosula; Radix Codonopsis

Properties: Sweet, Neutral

Channels Entered: Spleen, Lung

Additional Information:

Codonopsis root is a very important Qi tonic, especially to the Spleen and Lungs and is oftentimes used as a replacement/substitute to Ginseng, and in many famous tonifying formulas. It is not overpowering or as strong as Ginseng, but smoother and milder in action. In some cases, it is a more suitable herb for the situation than Ginseng. Aside from being milder in its action and warmth, Codonopsis is also significantly cheaper than Ginseng, which provides additional appeal as a substitute. The Dang Shen root herb is sweet and neutral in energy.

We offer a premium grade quality of the Dang Shen herb, as well as a slightly less expensive 2nd grade, selectable in the below menu.



Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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M
Michael Holt
Excellent Ingredients

High quality ingredients. Arrived well packed and was absolutely delicious. I look forward to buying more.

K
Katie Wolf
Lovely product

Great product, works so well in the tea I use!

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