Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) | (100g bottle)

About

Dried Codonopsis Root, known as Dang Shen or Codonopsis pilosula, is valued for its mild, earthy flavour and gentle character. It has been used for centuries in China, where it is regarded as a gentler relative of ginseng.

This 100g bottle contains concentrated granules rather than the sliced root, so it dissolves in hot water in seconds.

At Vita, we supply concentrated herbal granules for people who do not have time to decoct Chinese herbs traditionally. You will also find it in our range of herbal granules, which suit modern routines while staying close to traditional preparation.

Unlike other brands, our concentrated granules are produced using state-of-the-art spray drying technology, meaning a purer end product and a 2 to 3 times higher concentration.

Potential Benefits

• Traditional Heritage: Used in Chinese practice for centuries, where it is regarded as a gentler alternative to ginseng.
• Naturally Sweet: Its gentle, faintly sweet character is why Dang Shen blends into drinks and tonics without dominating them.
• Balance: In traditional classification it is described as neutral, and belongs among the milder herbs.
• Adaptogenic Tradition: It sits within the group of roots traditionally described as adaptogenic.
• Versatile: The granules dissolve straight into hot water and combine readily with other granules in a blend.

Preparation

Concentrated granules are made by simmering the raw herb, filtering the liquid, then drying it into a soluble powder. There is no soaking, slicing or simmering.

1. Measure out your usual amount, or the amount specified by your practitioner.
2. Add hot water.
3. Stir until fully dissolved.
4. Drink while warm.

Because the granules are concentrated, the quantity needed is much smaller than for the sliced dried root, and the flavour is stronger. Follow your practitioner's guidance on quantity rather than measuring by eye.

Keep the bottle sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Granules absorb moisture readily, so replace the lid promptly and avoid using a wet spoon.

If you want to add Dang Shen to soups and slow-cooked broths, you need the sliced dried root rather than the granules. Both sizes are listed below.

For more traditional ways of using this herb, see our article on 5 brilliant uses for Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen).

Other Formats of This Herb

Dang Shen is stocked in three forms:

• This 100g bottle is the concentrated granule, for dissolving in hot water
• Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) | 100g the sliced dried root, for soups, teas and broths
• Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) | 500g the same sliced root in the bulk pack

Traditional Pairings

Dang Shen is rarely used alone. These are the ones most often combined with it:

• Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) Granules | 100g bottle the classic partner to Dang Shen, in the same granule format
• Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) Granules | 100g bottle commonly combined in tonic preparations
• Dried Jujube Dates (Hong Zao) | 100g the third ingredient in the most common everyday combination

Why Choose Vita?

Vita Herbal Nutrition is dedicated to bringing you the highest quality herbs, carefully selected and prepared without compromise.

We are proud to offer a 100% sulphur-free herb selection. Sulphur is widely used in the industry to improve appearance and extend shelf life, but it alters the natural composition of the herb and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

Our herbs are sourced from genuine DaoDi-grown Chinese plants, cultivated in clean, sustainable environments. Thanks to trusted grower partnerships held since 2010, we select herbs grown in their ideal regions and harvested at the right time.

FAQ

What is Dried Codonopsis Root?
Dang Shen comes from the Codonopsis pilosula plant and is one of the longest-established roots in Chinese herbal practice.

How do I use the granules?
Measure out your amount, add hot water, and stir until dissolved. Nothing needs soaking, simmering or straining.

How much should I use?
Follow the amount specified by your practitioner. Granules are concentrated, so the quantity is much smaller than the 10g or so used for the sliced root.

What does it taste like?
Mild, earthy and slightly sweet. In concentrated form the flavour is noticeably stronger than a brewed cup.

What is the difference between the granules and the sliced root?
The granules are a concentrated extract that dissolves in hot water. The sliced root is the whole herb, which you simmer yourself and can add to soups.

Is Dang Shen the same as ginseng?
No. Dang Shen is sometimes called "poor man's ginseng" because it is used in a similar way, but it comes from a different plant and is gentler in character.