Codonopsis convolvulacea, Snyi ba སྙི་བ་

Snyi ba (Tibet)
Ji Dang Shen (TCM)
Picture Codonopsis convolvulacea
Curtis, W., Botanical Magazine (1908)

Picture Flower of Codonopsis convolvulacea
(Photo by Ping an Chang) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Codonopsis spp.
There are 2 main types of this medicine:
  1. C. convolvulacea
  2. C. macrocalyx

Parts used:


Root. Occasionally the flower and seed

Temperature & Taste:


Neutral/Warm. Sweet, slightly Bitter

Classification:




Uses:


1. Tonifies Spleen, Benefits Qi and Blood:
-Stomach and Spleen weakness
-indigestion, loss of appetite
-spontaneous sweating (TCM)
-Blood deficiency (TCM)
-Loss of energy (Tibet)
-Malnutrition

2. Benefits the Lungs:
-Lung deficiency Cough (TCM)
-Lung diseases with deficiency

3. Clears Heat, Promotes Fluid:
-Cold, Influenza with deficiency
-Tonsilitis
-burning sensation in the chest
-Gastritis

FLOWERS:
Used in Liver diseases (Norbu)


Dose:


Powder: 1–3 grams
Decoction: 5–10 grams

Substitute:


1. In some indications Codonopsis Dang Shen may be used

Main Combinations:


1. Cough and Lung inflammation, Codonopsis convolvulacea with Licorice, Fritillaria spp., Inula racemosa, Phlomis

Major Formulas:


Gentiana 10 (Tibetan Medicine)

Cautions:


None noted

Main Preparations used: