100% Certified organic Codonopsis

Codonopsis pilosula

This long, slender herb is originally discovered in northern China.  It is dug up in the fall, dried, and cut into segments and used in tonics and it is similar to ginseng.  This herb is sweet and bitter in taste and acts on the spleen and lung.  It is used to treat anorexia, loss of appetite, chronic diarrhea, and shortness of breath.  Condonopsis helps to eliminate dampness and edema and also increases the production of both red and white blood cells in cancer patients.  Condonopsis was also demonstrated to be an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, hypo-tensive, and anti-aging.  Studies have shown this herb to significantly inhibit human colon cancer cell growth by inducing G0/G1 cell arrest and apoptosis.  Dosage is 9-30 g.

Codonopsis contains sterols, alkaloids, terpenes, polysaccharides, and alkanes. Research has shown it to increase hemoglobin and red blood cell levels, lower blood pressure, and improve alertness and resistance to stress. It is a general tonic herb, used in cases where ginseng is too strong. It tones the qi, lungs, and spleen in TCM. It is used for tired limbs, fatigue, appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. It nourishes yin and benefits spleen qi deficiency. In TCM, it is used for “false fire” which manifests as stress, tense neck, headache, irritability, and high blood pressure. It is also used to increase breast milk and build blood. It also clears excessive mucus from the lugs.

Andrew Chevallier. DK Publishing. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (3rd ed.). New York, NY. 83.

Hou, Joseph. P. PhD., Jin, Youyu, MD.  The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes 2005. p. 103-5.

Tierra, Michael, Dr. Treating Cancer with Herbs 2003. p. 78.

Wang L., Xu  ML., Hu JH., Rasmussen SK., Wang MH. Codonopsis lancedata extract induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human colon tumor HT-29 cells involvement of ROS generation and polymine depletion.  Food Chem Toxicol.  2011 Jan; 49(1):  149-54. Epub 2010 Oct 19.