Dang-shen
Codonopsis pilosula
Dang-shen is a common herb in Chinese medicine used for many of the same conditions as ginseng, despite having a vastly different chemical makeup. Many refer to it as “poor man’s ginseng” due to the similarity in effects, but at a much lower cost. It is said to help lower elevated blood pressure, provide additional immune support, and replenish the body’s natural reserves of energy (qi).
Water: Needs moist soil
Hardiness: Frost hardy in our climate
Habit: Twining and vining stems up to 6' long, with bell-shaped flowers
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Average
Origin: Asia
Dang-shen