Botanical Name: Codonopsis pilosula
Common Name:
- English: Codonopsis
- Also, known as: Poor man’s ginseng, Bonnet flower, Dang shen, Bastard Ginseng, Bellflower, Bonnet Bellflower, Campanule à Bonnet, Chuan Dang, Codonopsis Modestae, Dangshen, Dong Seng, Ginseng Bâtard, Ginseng du Pauvre, Racine de Campanule à Bonnet, Radix Codonopsis,
Habitat: China and Korea
Origin: China
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Root
General Information:
It is a twining perennial reaching the length of up to 2 meters long. It is usually very shrubby and dense. The plant has long and thick sweet-tasting root, long soft stems (hairy when young). It has lateral branches with alternately arranged leaves and small branches with oppositely arranged leaves. The ovate leaves are up to 5-7 centimeters long and are usually coated with short hairs. The bell-shaped flower is about 2 centimeters long and wide and is yellow-green with purple spots inside and have five petals with light purple veins.
Codonopsis pilosula is a very popular and extensively used Chinese herb, which is often included in the herbal formulas as Ginseng substitute. This medicinal plant is less expensive, therefore it is often called Poor man’s ginseng. The root of the 3-4-year plant is harvested in autumn to be dried and used in the herbal formulas and infusions. Solitary flowers occur at the branch tips.
Radix Codonopsis Pilosula contains many amino acid and inorganic substance, and has especial effect for enriching the blood, benefiting vital enery, promoting the secretion of saliva, quenching thirst, prolonging life, nourshing the skin and retaining youth Fu Ines. It also regulating the vessel blood of heart and brains, and has the function of anticancer, anti bacteria and anti-senility. Long time taking will make your health and improve your look. It is ideal tonic and best gify. It also can br used as medicine, the seasoning for stewing meat or boil gruel.
How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.