Codonopsis - Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis is native to China and the roots are the parts used medicinally. Codonopsis contains triterpenoid saponins, sterins, alkaloids, alkenyl, alkenyl glycosides, and polysaccharides.

Codonopsis is given as an adaptogenic, stimulant, and tonic. It increases hemoglobin and RBC levels while lowering blood pressure. It is used to increase endurance of stress and alertness. It is tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer, lungs and spleen, it is thought to balance metabolism and increase lactation. It helps tired limbs, fatigue, appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea. Codonopsis clears mucus from lungs and helps asthma and shortness of breath. There are studies that show it can slow the growth of cancer cells.

It remediates False-fire symptoms of headache, tension, irritability, high blood pressure. It is believed to reduce adrenaline and generally be adaptogenic for stress. Using it as a tincture is Western, not Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Dosing: tincture ½ tsp in water 3 x day.

Possible side effects: vertigo, dry mouth and nose, nausea, epistaxis, gastrointestinal upset, allergy.

Contraindications: Codonopsis may slow blood clotting. Taking codonopsis might increase the risk for bleeding during and after surgical procedures. It may reduce the anticancer effects of abiraterone. Codonopsis may lower blood sugar levels. Consult your physician before using it.

Root can be used in cooking. Simmer 4 tsp astragalus , 2 tsp lycium berries, 4 tsp codonopsis for 40 minutes and drink regularly as a tonic.