What is the medicinal value of Codonopsis?

Codonopsis pilosula is a common Chinese medicinal material, and the probability of its appearance in daily life is relatively high. As a kind of Chinese medicinal material, what kind of medicinal value does Codonopsis pilosula have? This is a question that many people want to know in detail. Knowing this problem is beneficial to everyone's daily life and physical and mental health. For this purpose, let me give you an in-depth and detailed introduction below.

Medicinal effects

1. Used for physical weakness, lassitude, poor appetite, loose stools, etc. due to insufficient vital energy. It can replenish the middle and strengthen the Qi. It is often used together with Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, etc.

2. Used for cough, shortness of breath, weak voice, etc. caused by lung deficiency. Can replenish lung qi. It can be used together with Astragalus, Schisandra chinensis, etc.

3. Used for shortness of breath and thirst caused by damage to both Qi and body fluid, and sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, etc. caused by deficiency of both Qi and blood. It has the effects of invigorating Qi and producing body fluid and invigorating Qi and producing blood. It can be used together with other body-stimulating herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis, or other blood-tonifying herbs such as Angelica sinensis and Rehmannia glutinosa.

In addition, for symptoms of Qi deficiency and exogenous infection, as well as deficiency of the body and excess of pathogens, antipyretic drugs or interior-attacking drugs can be used together according to the symptoms to strengthen the body and eliminate the pathogens. Used together with perilla, ginger, etc., it can invigorate Qi, relieve exterior symptoms, and eliminate evil, such as the Shensu Drink in "Ju Fang". For the treatment of deficiency of both Qi and blood, and heat accumulation in the interior, it can be used together with angelica, rhubarb, and Glauber's salt, to achieve both attacking and tonifying effects, such as Huanglong Decoction in "Six Books on Febrile Diseases".

Function and indications

Codonopsis pilosula is mild in nature and sweet in taste. It has the effects of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen and lungs, anti-cancer, lowering blood pressure, anti-hypoxia, and anti-aging. It can also enhance human immunity, increase the activity of superoxide dismutase, and enhance the ability to eliminate free radicals. It has the effects of regulating gastrointestinal motility, anti-ulcer, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and reducing pepsin activity. It is suitable for symptoms such as spleen and lung weakness, shortness of breath and palpitations, poor appetite and loose stools, ulcers, anemia, weak asthma and cough, internal heat and thirst.

The active ingredients contained in Codonopsis pilosula have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, can enhance the body's resistance, and increase red blood cells and hemoglobin; the zinc it contains can promote growth and development and improve sexual function.

American ginseng and Codonopsis pilosula: Both medicines have the effect of replenishing qi and promoting body fluid. American ginseng is cold in nature and good at clearing lung fire; Codonopsis pilosula is sweet and mild in nature and good at benefiting the spleen. One clears and the other replenishes, and their mechanisms are different.

Ginseng and Codonopsis: Both medicines are sweet in taste, enter the spleen and lung meridians, tonify the spleen and lungs, promote body fluid and nourish blood. Ginseng is slightly warm, has a strong nature, and has great effects; Codonopsis is neutral in nature, neither warm nor dry, and has a mild effect. Although the effects are the same, the degree is different.

1. Codonopsis pilosula can inhibit or kill Mycobacterium leprae: equal amounts of Codonopsis pilosula, Paris polyphylla (Paridis odoratus), and Aralia sphaerocephala root bark. Grind Codonopsis pilosula and Paris polyphylla into fine powder; then add appropriate amount of water to the root bark of Echinops pilosula and boil it three times, concentrate the three decoctions into a certain amount of medicinal liquid (enough to soak the fine powder of Codonopsis pilosula and Paris polyphylla), add appropriate amount of honey, then pour the fine powder of Paris polyphylla and Codonopsis pilosula into it, and pound it into pills, each pill weighing 15 grams; it can also be made into a paste. Take three times a day, one pill each time, with warm water.

2. Codonopsis pilosula is used to treat diarrhea and prolapse of the anus due to qi deficiency during childbirth: Codonopsis pilosula (remove the stem and stir-fry with rice) 10 grams, roasted Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala (stir-fried), nutmeg, and Poria 7.5 grams each, Dioscorea opposita (stir-fried) 10 grams, Cimicifuga heracleifolia (roasted with honey) 3 grams, and roasted Licorice root 3.5 grams. Add two slices of ginger and fry. Or add 2.5 grams of processed aconite.

Codonopsis pilosula has high medicinal value. For example, eating it regularly can help people replenish qi and blood. In addition, eating Codonopsis pilosula regularly can help people resist aging and prevent diseases such as high blood pressure and cancer. Therefore, for ordinary people, they can eat some Codonopsis pilosula regularly in their lives. While nourishing the body, it can also help prevent various diseases.