What are the efficacies of Codonopsis, Ophiopogon, and Schisandra?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the combination of Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong), and Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi) is a commonly used tonic formula in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main functions include replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, astringing the lungs to relieve cough, promoting body fluid production to alleviate thirst, nourishing the heart to calm the mind, and reinforcing the exterior to stop sweating. This combination is suitable for various discomforts caused by deficiency of Qi and Yin. However, contraindications should also be noted during use; for example, it is not recommended for individuals with excessive internal heat and dampness, yellow and greasy tongue coating, or excess internal heat.

　　Under normal circumstances, the combination of Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong), and Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi) is a commonly used tonic formula in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main functions include replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, consolidating the lung and relieving cough, promoting body fluid production to relieve thirst, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, and reinforcing the exterior to stop sweating. This combination is suitable for various discomforts caused by Qi and Yin deficiency. A detailed explanation is as follows:

　　1. Replenishing Qi and Nourishing Yin: Dang Shen has a sweet and neutral property, which can tonify the middle jiao and enhance Qi, improving symptoms such as fatigue, low spirits, and poor appetite caused by Qi deficiency. Mai Dong is sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold, capable of nourishing Yin fluids. Wu Wei Zi is sour and warm, which can consolidate dissipated Qi and Yin. Together, these three herbs are suitable for individuals with deficiency of both Qi and Yin, alleviating symptoms such as pale complexion, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, and physical weakness, helping to replenish vital energy and Yin fluids and restore functional vitality.

　　2. Consolidating the Lung and Relieving Cough: Mai Dong can moisten the lungs and relieve dryness; Dang Shen can replenish lung Qi and enhance lung function; Wu Wei Zi can consolidate lung Qi and reduce its dissipation. This combination is suitable for prolonged dry cough with little phlegm caused by lung Qi deficiency and lung Yin insufficiency, alleviating pulmonary discomfort and facilitating smoother breathing.

　　3. Promoting Body Fluid Production and Relieving Thirst: Mai Dong is effective at nourishing Yin and promoting body fluid production; Wu Wei Zi can consolidate body fluids and prevent their loss; Dang Shen replenishes Qi to assist in the generation of body fluids. This combination is suitable for cases where body fluids are depleted following febrile illness or for persistent dry mouth and throat despite frequent drinking. It helps replenish deficient body fluids and alleviate thirst.

　　4. Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Mind: Dang Shen can tonify heart Qi; Mai Dong nourishes heart Yin; Wu Wei Zi consolidates heart Yin and calms the spirit. Together, they are suitable for those with heart Qi and Yin deficiency, improving symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia with vivid dreams, and restlessness, helping to soothe emotions and enhance sleep quality.

　　5. Reinforcing the Exterior and Arresting Sweating: Dang Shen strengthens defensive Qi and fortifies the body's surface; Wu Wei Zi consolidates and stops perspiration; Mai Dong nourishes Yin to prevent excessive fluid loss through sweating. This combination is suitable for spontaneous sweating caused by Qi deficiency and an unstable defensive exterior, reducing abnormal perspiration and maintaining fluid balance in the body.

　　It is also important to observe contraindications when using this formula. For example, it should not be used in cases of excessive internal damp-heat, yellow and greasy tongue coating, or excess internal heat. It is necessary to consider individual constitution and use appropriately to ensure safety and suitability.

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What Are the Five Major Taboos of Drinking Water Infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (Lilyturf Root)?

In general, there are several contraindications for drinking water infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong). These include avoiding excessive consumption by individuals with a cold body constitution, avoiding use by those experiencing cough due to wind-cold, phlegm-dampness excess, spleen-stomach deficiency-cold with diarrhea, and those in the early stages of an external contraction (e.g., common cold). Additionally, it is important to avoid taking large amounts of cold-natured foods or ingredients along with Ophiopogon-infused water, such as crab and bitter melon.

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What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) and licorice?

Under normal circumstances, as a common combination of traditional Chinese herbs, Ophiopogon Root (Mai Dong) and Licorice (Gan Cao) are often steeped in water for drinking. This combination primarily functions to nourish yin and moisten the throat, promote saliva production to relieve thirst, moisten the lungs to relieve cough, harmonize the spleen and stomach, and clear the mind to alleviate irritability. When using Ophiopogon Root and Licorice in this way, attention should also be paid to contraindications and precautions; for example, individuals with excessive dampness leading to abdominal distension or edema should avoid excessive consumption.

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What is the difference between Tian Dong and Mai Dong?

Under normal circumstances, the differences between Tian Dong (Asparagus root) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon root) are mainly reflected in aspects such as their taste and channel tropism, therapeutic effects, indications, affected internal organs, and contraindicated populations. Although both Tian Dong and Mai Dong are herbs used for nourishing yin, they should be selected based on syndrome differentiation according to specific symptoms in clinical application, and should not be combined indiscriminately. If long-term consumption is required, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to ensure safe medication use.

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What can be cooked with pear dried fruit to clear heat and moisten the lungs?

Under normal circumstances, dried pears can be cooked together with ingredients such as Tremella fungus, lily bulbs, rock sugar, Sichuan Fritillary bulb, and lotus seeds, which can better exert the effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs. In addition, dried pears can also be cooked with ingredients such as Ophiopogon root and Solomonseal rhizome to achieve similar effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs. Meanwhile, attention should be paid to the quantity of ingredients used during cooking.