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 variety 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 valuable for medicinal purposes.
In many Chinese kitchens, Codonopsis isn’t treated as some rare herb—it’s simply part of everyday life. Families often keep a few dried roots tucked away, ready to throw into soups or teas whenever someone feels a bit drained. The flavour is gentle, almost honey-like, so it slips easily into cooking without overpowering other ingredients. Walk through a traditional market and you’ll often see Codonopsis bundled together with red dates and goji berries, sold as ready-made soup packs. It shows just how naturally this root belongs in daily meals, not just medicine cabinets.
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 coughs 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.
People often compare Codonopsis with ginseng, and the nickname “poor man’s ginseng” says it all. It doesn’t have the punch of true ginseng, but that’s exactly why it’s loved—gentler, easier to use every day, and less likely to overstimulate. It’s the kind of tonic people can drink regularly without feeling jittery. Because of this, it’s often recommended for older people, children, or anyone recovering from illness.
Folk wisdom also ties Codonopsis to the turning of the seasons. When the body feels unsettled during spring or autumn, a pot of Codonopsis tea or soup is believed to help smooth the change. While you won’t find that idea in most Western textbooks, it reflects an older way of thinking: food as a steady guide through life’s ups and downs.
Top 5 Uses of Dried Codonopsis Root
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.
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.
Codonopsis also pairs beautifully with plenty of other herbs. If you add a few slices of dried ginger, you’ll get a warming, spicy tea that feels perfect on a frosty morning. Blend it with lotus seeds or lily bulbs, and the drink takes on a soothing, mellow character—something to sip at the end of a busy day. The beauty of this root is its flexibility: with a small tweak, you can make it comforting in winter or cooling in summer.
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.
What makes Codonopsis shine in soups is its quiet sweetness. It doesn’t shout for attention the way some bitter herbs do, but rather supports the whole dish. Long, slow cooking coaxes out that subtle flavour, giving the broth both depth and balance. In many northern Chinese households, a big pot of soup with Codonopsis, jujube dates, and other roots is a weekend ritual. It’s not just about nutrients—it’s about a smell that fills the house, a taste that connects generations, and the comfort of sharing something nourishing at the table.
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?
If you’ve never bought Codonopsis before, there are a few things worth checking. Good roots are plump, slightly twisted, and flexible rather than brittle. Snap one open and you should notice a pleasant, sweet aroma—that’s usually a sign of quality. Thinner, dull-looking roots often taste flat and aren’t as prized. In traditional herb shops, sellers sometimes break off a piece and let customers chew it on the spot to prove its flavour.
Once you bring it home, store it well. Keep the roots sealed in a jar or bag somewhere cool and dry, away from moisture and sunlight. Done properly, they’ll stay fresh for months, so you always have a steady supply ready for soups, teas, or a quick morning boost.
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)
FAQs
1. What does Codonopsis root actually taste like?
It’s not strong or bitter like some herbs. The flavour is mild, a little earthy, and slightly sweet — some people say it reminds them of honey water with a touch of rooty depth.
2. Can I just chew it raw?
You can, and lots of people do nibble a slice or two when they want a quick lift. That said, it’s more common to drop it into a tea or soup where the taste blends nicely with other ingredients.
3. Is it safe to have every day?
Generally, yes. Codonopsis is known as a gentle tonic that can be taken regularly. Of course, if you’re on medication or pregnant, it’s always sensible to double-check with a professional first.
4. How much should I use at once?
Most people add around 10–15 g of dried root into a teapot or soup pot. You don’t need loads — a little goes a long way, especially if you’re using it alongside other herbs.
5. How is it different from ginseng?
Ginseng can feel like a strong jolt of energy, while Codonopsis is more like a steady nudge. That’s why it’s often called the “poor man’s ginseng” — easier on the wallet and on the body, but still uplifting.
6. What’s the best way to store it?
Keep the roots in a jar or tin somewhere cool and dry. If looked after properly, they’ll keep for months without losing their flavour. Some people even portion them out in small bags so it’s easy to grab what they need.
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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