Dangshen, Jiaogulan, and Prepared He Shou Wu Honey Drink

Herbal Tea Name: Dangshen, Jiaogulan, and Prepared He Shou Wu Honey Drink

Chinese Name: 党参绞股蓝首乌蜜饮

Formula

30 grams of Codonopsis, 30 grams of Gynostemma, 30 grams of processed Polygonum multiflorum, and 30 grams of honey.

Main Ingredients

How To Make

Slice the Codonopsis and processed Polygonum multiflorum, then place them in a pot with the Gynostemma. Add an appropriate amount of water and decoct twice, each time for 40 minutes. Combine the two decoctions, strain, and stir in honey while still warm until well mixed.

Efficacy

Tonifies qi and nourishes blood; strengthens the brain and enhances cognitive function. Suitable for senile dementia caused by deficiency of both qi and blood.

Usage

Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.

Commentary

Codonopsis (Dang-shen) assume the leading (chief) role. Sweet-neutral in property, it enters the Spleen, Lung meridians, and works to tonify qi, strengthen the spleen and nourish the lung. Gynostemma takes the deputy (minister) role. Processed Polygonum multiflorum lends further support to the chief action. Finally, honey (Feng-mi) acts as the coordinating (envoy) herb; its role is to moisten the lung and harmonize the formula and coordinate the herbs. In sum, the prescription tonify qi and nourish blood, strengthen the brain and enhances cognitive function, aimed squarely at the blood and qi pattern rather than at isolated symptoms.

Dangshen, Jiaogulan, and Prepared He Shou Wu Honey Drink,From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Tonifies qi and nourishes blood; strengthens the brain and enhances cognitive function. Suitable for senile dementia caused by deficiency of both qi and blood.