Dangshen is a common traditional Chinese medicine and a commonly used tonic in China. One of its main characteristics is that it can both tonify Qi and nourish blood. It has the effects of tonifying the middle energizer, benefiting Qi, generating fluid in the stomach, and resolving phlegm and stopping cough. Let's learn more about the efficacy and functions of Dangshen.
I. Efficacy and Functions
1. Tonifying the Qi of the Spleen and Lungs
Dangshen has similar effects to Ginseng, but its medicinal properties are milder. It mainly tonifies the Qi of the spleen and lungs, and has good therapeutic effects on symptoms caused by deficiency of the spleen Qi or deficiency of the lung Qi, such as fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, loose stools, prolonged cough, shortness of breath, palpitations, spontaneous sweating, and night sweats. It is often used in combination with Huangqi, Baizhu, and Shan Yao to treat various symptoms caused by Qi deficiency, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, and chronic diarrhea with prolapse of the rectum.
2. Nourishing and replenishing blood
Dangshen not only tonifies Qi, but also has certain effects in nourishing and replenishing blood. It is especially suitable for children and women with deficiency of both Qi and blood. The symptoms include pale or wax yellow complexion, general weakness, lack of energy, palpitations, dizziness, and other symptoms. It is often used in combination with Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui, and other herbs to tonify Qi and nourish blood, which is beneficial for improving symptoms caused by blood deficiency, such as pale complexion and various bleeding disorders.
3. Generating fluids and relieving thirst
Dangshen also has the function of generating fluids and relieving thirst. It is especially suitable for teachers, vocal performers, and people who talk a lot. It can improve symptoms such as shortness of breath, thirst, dry throat, and irritability caused by Qi consumption.
II. Practical Prescriptions
1. Dangshen Paste
Dangshen (soft and sweet, sliced) 500g, Sandun 250g (sliced), Guiyuanrou (dried longan flesh) 60g. Simmer in water to make a concentrated decoction, and collect the dripping water into a ceramic container. Take one wine cup and drink it on an empty stomach with boiling water. It can also be added to the decoction. It has the effects of clearing lung heat, tonifying the original Qi, improving voice, and enhancing physical strength.
2. Sheng Qi Bai Zhu Tang
Dangshen (remove the root and stir-fry with rice) 6g, Zhi Qi 4.5g, Bai Zhu (stir-fried and cleaned) 4.5g, Rou Kou Shuang (stir-fried) 4.5g, Fu Ling (stir-fried) 3g, Sheng Ma (honey-fried) 1.8g, Zhi Fu Zi (stir-fried) 1.5g, and Zhi Gan Cao (stir-fried) 2.1g. Add two slices of ginger and decoct, or add Zhi Fu Zi (stir-fried) 1g. It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and prolapse of the rectum caused by deficiency of Qi and blood during childbirth.
3. Shen Qi An Wei San
Dangshen (baked) 6g, Huang Qi (stir-fried) 6g, Fu Ling 3g, Gan Cao (raw) 1.5g, and Bai Shao 2.1g. Decoct in water and take it warm. It is used to treat cold dampness, spleen and stomach damage, and oral ulcers.
4. Ba Zhen Tang
Dang Gui 30g, Chuan Xiong 30g, Shu Di Huang 30g, Bai Shao Yao 30g, Dang Shen 30g, Gan Cao 30g, Fu Ling 30g, and Bai Zhu 30g. Take 9g per dose, orally. It is used to treat Qi and blood deficiency syndrome. The symptoms include pale or withered complexion, dizziness, fatigue in limbs, shortness of breath, lack of speech, palpitations, decreased appetite, pale tongue with thin white coating, and weak or weak and forceless pulse.
