Codonopsis | Hero Ingredients
Codonopsis (Dang Sheng) - A time-honoured ally in rebuilding Qi, immunity, and postpartum vitality.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Codonopsis pilosula — commonly known as Dang Shen or “poor man’s ginseng” — is a sweet, neutral tonic herb that primarily enters the Spleen and Lung meridians. TCM recognises Codonopsis as both a Qi tonic, replenishing energy with gentle yet nourishing effects, and a Blood tonic, supporting blood production and circulation. Its key actions strengthen the Spleen and Lung systems, enhancing digestion, immune resilience, and respiratory function.
Codonopsis is especially valued in the postpartum period, where childbirth is believed to exhaust both Qi and Blood. It is widely used to rebuild internal strength, support uterine recovery, and ease fatigue after birth. In winter or colder months, TCM recommends warming, Qi-nourishing herbs to sustain yang energy. Codonopsis, with its neutral-warming nature, is well-suited to gently fortify the body’s internal warmth and defenses during these cooler seasons.
Why It Matters in Postpartum Care
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the postpartum period is known as a sacred window — a time when the body is open, vulnerable, and deeply in need of replenishment. After birth, a woman’s Qi (vital energy) and Blood are significantly depleted. Without proper care, this can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, digestive issues, and emotional imbalances.
Herbs like Codonopsis (Dang Shen) play a vital role in supporting this recovery. Gently yet powerfully, they help rebuild strength from within — replenishing Qi, nourishing Blood, and strengthening the digestive system so the body can absorb the nourishment it needs to heal.
Postpartum care isn’t just about recovery — it’s about restoring vitality, protecting long-term health, and honouring the profound transition into motherhood.
Because how you heal now, shapes how you feel for years to come.
Health Benefits of Codonopsis
1. Replenishes Qi – Restores vitality and combats fatigue common in postpartum recovery.
2. Nourishes Blood – Assists in uterine recovery and addresses postpartum blood deficiency.
3. Supports Lactation – Promotes milk production and energizes breastfeeding mothers.
4. Aids Digestion – Strengthens Spleen function, improving appetite and nutrient assimilation for postpartum healing.
5. Enhances Immunity – Builds resilience, helping new mothers during vulnerable postpartum periods.
6. Supports Uterine Recovery – Encourages blood flow and helps clear retention, promoting uterine healing.
OUR PRODUCTS FEATURING CODONOPSIS TO SUPPORT YOUR POSTPARTUM AND BEYOND
Red Dates Tea: Our Red Dates Tea blend is more than a comforting ritual — it’s a purposeful infusion rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Among its key ingredients is Codonopsis (Dang Shen), a revered herb known for gently replenishing Qi and supporting blood production — two critical pillars of postpartum recovery.
After childbirth, a mother’s Qi and Blood are naturally depleted. Codonopsis helps restore vitality, supports digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption — making it especially helpful when energy is low or appetite is poor. Its natural-warming nature also makes it a perfect companion in colder seasons, gently building internal warmth without overstimulating the body.
Incorporated into our Red Dates Tea, Codonopsis works synergistically with red dates and other warming herbs to restore inner balance, strengthen the Spleen, and offer the deep nourishment your body deserves — postpartum and beyond.
Designed to support the fourth trimester and beyond, our Restore Herbal Soup features Codonopsis (Dang Shen) as one of its key ingredients. In TCM, Codonopsis is a gentle yet powerful Qi and Blood tonic — essential for rebuilding what is lost after childbirth.
Its inclusion helps to boost energy, restore digestive strength, and promote better absorption of nutrients — all of which are foundational in postpartum recovery. Codonopsis also supports the Spleen and warms the body gently, making it especially beneficial during winter or when the body feels cold or depleted.
By combining Codonopsis with other nutrient-dense herbs, this restorative soup nourishes from within — helping mothers feel grounded, supported, and replenished through each phase of healing.
Our Mama Nurture Blend, inspired by TCM lactation support traditions, includes Codonopsis (Dang Shen) to nourish Qi, strengthen digestion, and support healthy milk flow.
Postpartum mothers often face low energy, poor appetite, and depleted blood — all of which can impact lactation. Codonopsis works by strengthening the Spleen and Lung meridians, encouraging better nutrient uptake and supporting the body’s natural milk production process.
During colder days, this herb also helps restore internal warmth and vitality, easing common discomforts like chills and sluggish digestion. As part of this warming herbal blend, Codonopsis provides foundational support for both nourishment and lactation — a true ally for the postpartum journey.
As we walk alongside you through your Golden Month recovery, we honour the timeless principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine — which view this sacred window not just as a time to rest, but as a vital opportunity to rebuild the foundation of lifelong health.
By incorporating Codonopsis (Dang Shen) — a gentle yet potent Qi and Blood tonic — into our blends, we align with this ancient wisdom: that true healing comes from restoring balance, warming the body, and replenishing what has been given in the profound act of birth.
In the stillness of winter and the tender days after delivery, may these Elan offerings serve as both comfort and care — supporting your Spleen, nurturing your inner vitality, and inviting you to return home to yourself, slowly and with grace.
To every mother navigating this chapter: may you feel deeply held — in body, heart, and spirit. We’re honoured to walk beside you, carrying forward ancient knowledge into your modern healing journey. 🤍
Sources:
https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/codonopsis-root/
https://www.souperwell.com/en-us/products/codonopsis
https://laurastropes.com/blog-newsletter/postpartum-resting-month
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
https://www.rebeccasherbs.com/
https://hatchmidwifery.com/ah-mas-postpartum-herbal-soup/
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/codonopsis/
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