Adenophora comes in two types: Northern Adenophora (from the root of *Glehnia littoralis*, a perennial herb of the Umbelliferae family) and Southern Adenophora (from the roots of perennial herbs of the *Adenophora* genus in the Campanulaceae family, including *A. tetraphylla*, *A. stricta*, and *A. hirtella*). The root contains volatile oil, triterpenoid acids, sitosterol, stigmasterol, alkaloids, and starch. It has expectorant and antispasmodic effects. Additionally, it enhances lymphocyte transformation rate, increases white blood cell count, and prolongs antibody duration, thus improving and promoting immune function.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered slightly cold in nature and sweet in taste, with functions of moistening the lungs to stop coughing and nourishing stomach yin. It is suitable for dry cough with little phlegm due to lung heat and yin deficiency, chronic cough with hoarseness, bloody sputum from consumption, and stomach yin deficiency with dry mouth and thirst. Generally, Northern Adenophora has stronger yin-nourishing effects, while Southern Adenophora is better at clearing lung phlegm.
Dosage: 10–15 grams; avoid combining with *Liriope spicata* (Leyi).
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