Dried Codonopsis Root (党参), also known as Dang Shen, is a highly prized herb from the East which is known for its versatility in many food and drink recipes.
Typically referred to as the 'poor man's Ginseng' as it is a more budget-friendly alternative, this is regarded as both a food and healing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
So, here are 5 brilliant ways to use Dried Codonopsis Root in your everyday routine...
What is Dried Codonopsis Root?
Dried Codonopsis Root derives from a family of plants used in China and Korea to replenish vital energy or qi.
It is collected from the wild, with this method being thought to yield a more concentrated/powerful variant of the herb, when compared to those that are cultivated.
High quality Codonopsis roots possess a sweet flavour, whereas a poor quality root would have little to no taste which in-turn would be considered to be less value for medicinal purposes.
What are the health benefits of Dried Codonopsis Root?
Targeting the lung and spleen function through the meridians, this herb works to energise and uplift the entire body.
With high levels of saponins and triterpenes, this herb is utilised in a similar fashion to that of Ginseng in the Eastern world.
Starting to grow in popularity worldwide, some potential Western benefits of this herb include:
- Addressing fatigue, poor appetite and anaemia
- Aid diarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence and excessive stomach acid
- Streamline digestion
- Treat headaches, chronic cough and shortness of breath
- Help with blood building
- Reduce chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rich in immune-enhancing polysaccharides
- Strengthen immunity
- Slow the growth of cancer cells
- Combat the adverse effects of radiation therapy
As promised, here are our top 5 uses of Dried Codonopsis Root to introduce into your daily routine...
1) Raw form
With a pleasant taste when eaten raw, the simple and clean option to consume Codonopsis Root can be an effective short-term boost for your health and wellbeing.
A small portion of this herb is a perfect serving for daily consumption.
Check out the full recipe here
2) Herbal tea
Infusing this with another root-based herb is a brilliant method of stepping your way to better health.
Using both Codonopsis and Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) can create a strong and sweet blend to share with friends and family.
Check out the full recipe here
3) Iced drink
With the weather reaching scorching temperatures this summer, any opportunity for an iced drink sounds like heaven.
Mixing Codonopsis and Chrysanthemum Flowers creates a delightfully sweet soft beverage, perfect for the sunbathing in the garden.
Check out the full recipe here
4) Soups
A fundamental part of the traditional Chinese soup, pairing this with a handful of sweet herbal ingredients is a staple dish in Eastern culture.
Combine this with Dried Angelica Root, Big Jujube Dates, Goji Berries, American Ginseng, Sichuan Lovage Rhizome and Astragalus Root to create a Chinese treasure.
5) Breakfasts
Upgrade your porridge game, or add a crunch to your nutty based bowl of goodness, this is a great quick fix to elevate your morning munch.
For a slightly softer approach, boil this in water to soften the root, allowing it to re-hydrate a little easier.
Where can I buy Dried Codonopsis Root?
You can get hold of this herb in the following quantities:
Dried Codonopsis Root 党参 (Dang Shen) | (100g)
Dried Codonopsis Root 党参 (Dang Shen) | (500g)
Summary
Now that you've got some fantastic ideas of how to use this versatile herb, we're excited to see you impress your friends and family with your Dang Shen knowledge!
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