Dang Shen - Codonopsis Root

Codonoposis Root has many other names such as 'Dang Shen' or 'poor man's Ginseng' as it a cheaper alternative. The root is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine.  In China, the herb is regarded as both a food and medicine. It is often ground into flour, boiled with rice, added to soups and used as an ingredient in nourishing teas. The roots are viewed as an effective and more affordable substitute for ginseng, hence the name 'poor man's ginseng'. Just like ginseng, Codonoposis Root is collected from the wild so is considered more powerful than those that are cultivated. Roots of high quality have a sweet flavour considered too poor quality roots which have little taste and are considered to be less value for medicinal purposes.