Can people with diabetes drink water infused with Codonopsis root, red dates, and dried tangerine peel?
Apr 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
People with diabetes can consume Codonopsis root (Dang Shen). Patients with diabetes may take Codonopsis root, which functions to strengthen the spleen and lung Qi and nourish blood while promoting fluid production. It can be used to treat thirst associated with diabetes. Codonopsis root has a blood glucose–elevating effect, which is related to its sugar content. Its nature and flavor are sweet and neutral; therefore, standard therapeutic doses typically do not significantly raise blood glucose levels. For instance, although people with diabetes should limit intake of sugary foods, they are not absolutely prohibited from consuming them.
Codonopsis root, red dates (jujubes), and dried tangerine peel are common food ingredients in daily life and are known for their blood-enriching and fluid-generating effects. Individuals with diabetes may worry about potential adverse health effects after consuming them. So, can people with diabetes safely drink a decoction or infusion made from codonopsis root, red dates, and dried tangerine peel?
Can People with Diabetes Drink Codonopsis Root, Red Dates, and Dried Tangerine Peel Infusion?
People with diabetes may consume codonopsis root. Codonopsis root is traditionally used to tonify the spleen and lung Qi, nourish the blood, and generate body fluids—making it suitable for managing diabetes-related symptoms such as excessive thirst. However, codonopsis root may slightly elevate blood glucose levels, likely due to its natural sugar content. It has a sweet, neutral nature, and at conventional therapeutic doses, its impact on blood glucose is generally minimal. For instance, while individuals with diabetes should limit intake of high-sugar foods, complete avoidance is not always necessary.
Codonopsis root is the dried root of the perennial herb *Codonopsis pilosula*. It is available in both cultivated and wild varieties and is also known as “Liaoshen” or “Ludangshen.” Its nature is sweet and neutral, and it primarily enters the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians (i.e., the Lung and Spleen meridians). Codonopsis root exerts significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune system, digestive system, and hematopoietic system.
Codonopsis root is commonly used for cough, shortness of breath, and weak voice caused by deficient Lung Qi—thereby nourishing the lungs. It is often combined with Astragalus root (*Huangqi*) and Schisandra fruit (*Wuweizi*). For general Qi deficiency, fatigue, and loose stools, codonopsis root helps replenish Qi and is frequently prescribed alongside Astragalus root and Atractylodes rhizome (*Baizhu*). In cases of dual Qi- and Blood-deficiency presenting as shortness of breath, thirst, pallor, dizziness, vertigo, or palpitations, codonopsis root functions to tonify Qi and invigorate blood circulation. It may be combined with herbs such as Ophiopogon tuber (*Maidong*) and Schisandra fruit (*Wuweizi*), or with blood-tonifying herbs like Angelica root (*Danggui*) and Prepared Rehmannia root (*Shudihuang*). We hope this information proves helpful!
