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Cura x Cura

Dang Shen党参

Codonopsis Radix · Codonopsis Root

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药《增订本草备要》

Overview

The everyday qi tonic, gentle where Ren Shen is forceful, and moist rather than drying. Sweet and neutral, it builds Spleen and Lung qi, and because it also nourishes blood and generates fluids it suits long courses in ordinary depletion. The dispensary carries Dang Shen, dry-fried to strengthen the Spleen and dry damp for loose stools, and Dang Shen, honey-fried to be more moistening and more strongly tonifying for Lung-qi deficiency with a weak cough.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Lung

Typical Dosage

9–30 g in decoction
党参Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Tonifies the middle, augments qiSpleen-qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools and a weak voice.
  • Strengthens the Spleen and benefits the LungChronic weak cough with shortness of breath on exertion, where Lung qi has lost its support from the middle.
  • Nourishes blood and generates fluidsPallor, dizziness and a dry mouth after prolonged illness or blood loss — it fills without being heavy.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Dang Shen

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Spleen-qi deficiency with fatigue and poor appetite
    - Chronic cough and shortness of breath from Lung-qi deficiency
    - Pallor and dizziness of qi-and-blood depletion
    - Dry mouth and thirst after prolonged illness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

FatigueAnemiaChronic coughConvalescence

Contraindications

Cautions

Not for excess or heat patterns without an underlying deficiency, and it can feel cloying when dampness is heavy. Classical incompatibility: it is not combined with Li Lu 藜芦.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Generally compatible with pregnancy under practitioner supervision.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ben Cao Cong Xin《本草从新》(1757, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.