Codonopsis
Codonopsis pilosula
1:4 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagyric tincture of dried organic codonopsis root, with plant salts added.
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter

Physical Properties*:
They say that this plant is not necessarily a stimulant, in that it rebuilds energy slowly from the bones outwards to create a solid reserve of fuel, life-force, qi… I have had experiences where this plant has given me such a deep reserve of energy that I haven’t needed to sleep despite plenty of physical exertion during the day – I wasn’t stimulated so much as I was supported to just keep on doing (and enjoying). In TCM this plant has been used for thousands of years to treat fatigue, anaemia, low appetite, palpitations, toxin build-up, stomach problems, diabetes, memory loss, weak lungs and weak spleens (the part of the digestive system that converts food in to body-useable energy). It nourishes the blood and is an immune tonic. Codonopsis contains a high volume and variety of polysaccharides, which provide significant immune boosting and modulating properties (maintaining T-Cell balance, balancing the bodies microbiomes and killing tumours), being potent antioxidants with the ability to scavenge toxic catalytic transition metals from the body also. Oligosaccharides found in the herb, along with the polysaccharides have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and increase bodily concentrations of glutathione (an antioxidant produced by the body). Codonopsis has also been shown to attenuate Alzheimer’s disease in a few ways, including through restoring synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis (formation of synapses between the nervous system and neurons).

*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.

Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
Life longs for us to live it, yet often we live what is not our life, and this is burdensome for our energies. The plants live to embody their true essence, they wish the same for us… they are gracious, indeed there is a good many that had been shackled and harnessed to aid humanity in it’s want for unending productivity, continual growth, and to fulfil insatiable consumption… those plants see where we must run those narratives dry, so they help us do that, and some people get ‘burnout’, or chronic fatigue as a result. Codonopsis is the guardian of the granary, he knows where sustenance and energy is best offered, he has food for the hard times when life is wearing one thin, and food for times when the kingdom/queendom/body must be resourced to do what is right and necessary. Codonpsis is a medicine to generate pragmatism, it is an ally for those with much to do, it is an ally for those who are lacking motivation to get moving and do, and it is an ally for those who do without discernment and burn themselves out. It amplifies the voices of inspiration, necessity, and true desire for us to act decisively, and with dedication…. That includes rest, that includes play, that includes work… Codonopsis is a vine, thus it will show us how to weave between all states with increasing, ease, grace and love.

Recommended dose:
As a daily tonic: 3-5 drops 2-3 times a day.
When feeling drained, recovering from, going in to, or experiencing common illnesses: 7-10 3-4 times a day.

Cautions/contraindications:
-Bleeding disorders and surgery: In theory, codonopsis may slow blood clotting, thus making bleeding disorders worse and surgery more dangerous. If undergoing surgery, cease use from two weeks before until two weeks afterwards.