Dang Shen use

[Buddhas flower]

Greetings to all,

Does anyone know what the effects of Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) are compared to gingseng? Could one use Dang Shen to substitute gingseng? Also, are the effects (or potency!) of Dang shen more so than gingseng? And does Dang shen have more, or less, side effects than gingseng? Thank you to anyone who can help guide me in my quest for info.!


Buddhas flower

[Jack Squat]

Dang Shen is very similar to Ren Shen (ginseng). The differences are:

Ren Shen-
1. rescues collapsed qi
2. tonifies Spleen qi
3. tonifies Lung qi
4. generates fluids
5. calms shen (spirit)

Dang Shen only does 2, 3, and 4 of the above.

Generally speaking, you can substitute dang shen for ren shen in most formulas (usually done because dang shen is cheaper), but you must increase the dosage. Also keep in mind that there are several varieties of ren shen, and the different varieties have slightly different properties. Also, many times dang shen is considered more appropriate for younger people.

What are you thinking of using dang shen for?

Jack