🌿 Folk Prescriptions

After Qin Shi Huang unified China, he divided the country into thirty-six commanderies. The area now known as Changzhi City and Pingshun County in Shanxi Province was then called Shangdang Commandery.
Legend has it that during the Sui Dynasty, a family in Shangdang Commandery heard someone calling at night behind their home, but no one could be seen. Later, they discovered a plant with unusual branches and leaves about one li away. After digging down five feet, they unearthed its root, which resembled a human body with limbs. Since then, the calls ceased. This story spread, and people believed it was a "spiritual herb" from the earth.
Li Shizhen cited this ancient legend in *Compendium of Materia Medica*, though it may not be credible, it reflects the fact that Shangdang Commandery was historically rich in herbs similar to ginseng—Codonopsis. To this day, this region remains a major production center for Codonopsis. Driving through, one sees Codonopsis plants densely covering sunny slopes, lush and flourishing. Shangdang later became known as Lüzhou, so the Codonopsis grown here is also called Lü Codonopsis. Among all Codonopsis produced nationwide, except for wild Yetai Codonopsis from Wutai Mountain in Shanxi, Lü Codonopsis is considered the highest quality.
Historically, to distinguish genuine Lü Codonopsis, two people would walk simultaneously—one chewing Lü Codonopsis, the other not. After walking three or five miles, if the person without Codonopsis was panting heavily while the one with it remained calm, it was deemed authentic. This is because other regional Codonopsis cannot produce such effects. This illustrates Codonopsis’s primary function: strengthening Qi. It is especially suitable for those who are usually fatigued, lack energy, speak softly, feel short of breath, or experience breathlessness even with minor exertion—indicating lung Qi deficiency. For those with spleen Qi deficiency, characterized by weakness in limbs, poor appetite, loose stools, Codonopsis is also beneficial. Commonly combined with white Atractylodes, Poria, and roasted licorice, forming the famous Four Gentlemen Decoction for strengthening Qi and invigorating the spleen. For combined lung and spleen Qi deficiency, Codonopsis is paired with Astragalus, white Atractylodes, Poria, tangerine peel, Angelica, Bupleurum, Cimicifuga, roasted licorice, ginger, and jujube, forming the well-known Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction).
Codonopsis strengthens Qi while also nourishing blood—a key feature. Thus, individuals suffering from both Qi and blood deficiency—such as shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor appetite, loose stools, and frequent colds—are also advised to take Codonopsis.
Pharmacological studies confirm that Codonopsis increases red blood cells and hemoglobin levels, making it highly beneficial for anemic patients. It also helps elevate white blood cell counts reduced by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Recent findings indicate that Codonopsis, when combined with Astragalus and white Atractylodes, reduces urinary protein in chronic nephritis patients. Codonopsis can also be used alone for tonification, prepared as dried Codonopsis or Codonopsis paste for easier consumption. To make dried Codonopsis, take 250 grams of Codonopsis, wash off mud and sand, trim off the root head, place in a container, steam twice daily for three consecutive days until soft and sticky. Chew 15–30 grams twice daily, morning and evening. To prevent spoilage, leftover portions must be steamed again each day.
To prepare Codonopsis paste, first soak clean Codonopsis in a clay or aluminum pot with cold water for about an hour, then simmer gently. Boil for half an hour, repeat four times, combine all decoctions, heat and concentrate until thick. Add an equal amount of honey, stir well while hot, and form a paste. Take one tablespoon twice daily, dissolved in boiling water.
Codonopsis strengthens Qi, nourishes blood, and generates body fluids, with mild nature—making it one of the most commonly used tonics. *Bencao Congxin* states: “Strengthens central Qi, harmonizes the spleen and stomach, relieves thirst, and is safe and effective for weak central Qi.”
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