Codonopsis’ (Codonopsis pilosula) name is derived from the Greek words “Kodon” (meaning bell) and “Opsis” (meaning likeness), reflecting its bell-shaped green flowers with purple veins. There are over 40 species of the Campanulaceae family, and 21 are used therapeutically.

Native to: Northeastern China, Japan, and Korea

Common Names: dang shen, bonnet bellflower, and poor man’s ginseng – as it is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to Panax ginseng – another popular adaptogenic herb.

Parts Used – Active Compounds 

The rhizome (sometimes referred to as a root), which are long, white and sweet in flavour are harvested after three years of growth.

Therapeutic compounds in the root include alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.

Main Therapeutic Uses  

This herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a gentle tonic that supports overall health and specifically benefits the blood. Codonopsis is often used as a milder alternative to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), sharing similar properties. 

Immune Support 

Codonopsis Root has a long history of being used for its immune-enhancing properties, working with both innate and adaptive immunity. Studies suggest that the herb contribute to a more robust defense against infections and illnesses.

It is also noted that “immunomodulatory effect of CR is characterized by its gentle and prolonged nature, distinguishing it from other potent immune stimulants.”  

Fact: Due to its “gentle” nature – codonopsis has been characterized as safe for children. 

Energy and Vitality: 

A traditional Qi tonic in TCM, codonopsis root is often used to invigorate health, increase energy levels, help combat fatigue and enhance overall vitality. 

Other Applications 

Codonopsis has been used to soothe respiratory issues and help reduce allergic inflammation and has been used by nursing mothers in China to help support healthy breast milk production.  

St. Francis Products Featuring Codonopsis 

While we don’t farm codonopsis in production quantities for our formulas, we have had success growing it! Our farm manager, Deedee gave us the scoop!

“Our Codonopsis is in its second year, we are trialling it in the Log Barn Gardens – quite a viny plant, it haphazardly reaches up, without the clinging tendril vines like peas and cucumbers, they like a little direction to get to the string or cage, where they braid themselves along. 

The bell-shaped blooms are delicate – a tasty treat for pollinators, especially black hornets with striped, white bottoms – they are a new pollinator at the farm – the joy of new blooms = biodiversity. 

Codonopsis is a delicate plant, very succulent leaves that bruise easily – it protects itself with skunky scent!” We work with suppliers in sourcing the highest quality codonopsis for our formulas, including:

References:  

Chen, Xiyu1; Shao, Rui2,*; Wang, Yu1,. Multi-layered effects of Codonopsis Radix on the immune system. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 4(3):p 405-419, September 2024. Retrieved from:  Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 

Li H, Zhang L, Li X, He H, Fu G, Zhu YZ, Hu W, Qiu L, Gong L, Zhang Y. Improvement on mitochondrial energy metabolism of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2025 May 30;16:1545356. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1545356. Erratum in: Front Pharmacol. 2025 Jul 14;16:1638311. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1638311. PMID: 40520160; PMCID: PMC12162984. Retrieved from:  Improvement on mitochondrial energy metabolism of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. polysaccharide – PubMed 

Seo YS, Kim HS, Lee AY, Chun JM, Kim SB, Moon BC, Kwon BI. Codonopsis lanceolata attenuates allergic lung inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and augmenting mitochondrial ROS dismutase (SOD2) expression. Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 19;9(1):2312. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-38782-6. PMID: 30783201; PMCID: PMC6381190. Retrieved from:  Codonopsis lanceolata attenuates allergic lung inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and augmenting mitochondrial ROS dismutase (SOD2) expression – PMC