Products

Codonopsis pilosula - (Franch.)Nannf.

Dang Shen

Physical Characteristics
Perennial Climber growing to 1.7m.It is hardy to zone 6 and is frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
Habitats
Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root.
Root - raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Adaptogen; Appetizer; Digestive; Galactogogue; Sialagogue; Stomachic; Tonic.
Dang Shun is an important herb in Chinese medicine, it is a gentle tonic that increases energy levels and helps the body adapt to stress. The root contains saponins, triterpenes and steroids, it is similar in action to ginseng (Panax species), but it is milder and has a shorter-lasting effect. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, and stimulating the immune system. Research has shown that it increases haemoglobin and red blood cell levels and lowers the blood pressure. It also helps increase endurance to stress and promotes alertness. The root and the whole plant are adaptogen, appetizer, digestive, galactogogue, sialagogue, stomachic and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous and used as a tonic food. The dried root is decocted with other herbs and used to treat a wide range of ailments. The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details
Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season. Prefers a slightly acid soil. Although quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants. The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its permanent position as soon as possible. It is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers. Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[K].
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20℃. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established[K]. Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring[K].

Product name :Codonopsis pilosula root extract( pilose asiabell extract;bastard ginseng extract).
Ingredient :The root contains the saponin, the inulin and the micro alkaloid. In the stem leaf picks out 18 kinds of amino acids from the place, 12 kind of trace elements
Codonopsis Dangshen Pin Yin Name: Dang Shen Latin Name: Campanumaea pilosula Other names: bastard ginseng MEDICINAL PART: root
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: stomachic; cardiotonic; builds immunity and raises resistance; lowers blood pressure; raises blood sugar.
 Function : chronic fatigue; hypertension; loss of appetite; indigestion due to hyperacidity; loose bowels; pale complexion; exhaustion after surgery or childbirth body bloating and facial swelling due to edema; immune deficiency; hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). CONTRAINDICATIONS: none
INCOMPATIBLES: none Since this herb acts similarly to ginseng, it can be substituted for the latter when ginseng is too costly or in short supply.
 It is often used instead of ginseng for mild chronic conditions that do not require high-potency herbs.
Recent research has also established dang shen as an effective preventive against many forms of heart disease.
Since it lends itself well to cooking, it can be used daily in the kitchen as an ingredient in stews, soups, and porridges, or simply boiled in chicken broth, as a general nutrient tonic for the whole family and a specific preventative against heart disease.
According to the traditional Chinese view, the reason that this herb is such a reliable energy tonic is because of its affinity for the spleen and lungs, which are the two major organ-energy systems responsible for the extraction of energy from food and air through digestion and respiration.
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