Herb: Adenophora Root (Lady Bell Root)

Herb Name: Adenophora Root.  沙參 (shā shēn )

(also called Lady Bell Root, Nan Sha Shen, Adenophora Tetraphylla, and Radix Adenophorae in Latin)

Description:

• Adenophora root is the dried root of a small perennial plant called Adenophora Triphylla,  commonly known as Lady Bell.
• Adenophoras typically grow to about 3 feet tall and are native to east Asia.  They grow throughout the mountains and lowlands of China, Japan, and Korea where there is bright sunlight and moist soil.  In China, this plant is mostly cultivated in provinces like Anhui, Jiangsu, and Sichuan.
• Adenophora flowers, which contain both male and female organs, bloom in September, with seeds ripening in October.  Adenophora roots are then harvested in the Spring and Fall.
• Once harvested, adenophora roots are striped of its outer layer of skin and sun dried for medicinal use as an herb.
• Adenophora roots are almost flavorless, with only a light sweet taste and a slight bitterness to them.

Adenophora (Lady Bell) Root Benefits and Uses:

• This herbal root is typically used in Asia in the form of soups to ease dry coughs, and to moisten the lung and throat.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine, this herb is known to have a cooling property and nourishes the yin to clear heat from the lung and help expel yellow sticky phlegm.  It is also known to tonify the stomach and reinforce qi to promote the production of bodily fluids and moisten dryness.
• Adenophora root is also used to relieve symptoms of stomach yin deficiency such as dry parched lips or thirst.
• See a list of recipes using adenophora (lady bell) roots.

Preparation:

• Soak the adenophora roots in cool water for 2 – 5 minutes, then rinse in cool water.

Where to Buy Adenophora (Lady Bell) Roots:

• Adenophora roots are often sold in packages and wrapped in small bundles as seen in the photos above.  They can be found in Chinese herbal stores.
• Good adenophora roots should be clean, firm, but pliable.

Side Effects and Precautions:

• Those with a cold cough or have a spleen deficiency should not use adenophora roots as symptoms may exasperate.
• Adenophora roots is known to be incompatible with the toxic veratrum herb, and this combination should not be taken together.

How do you use your Adenophora Roots? Leave a comment below to share your ideas.

 

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Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes only, not medical advice. Do not use site content in place of a medical doctor.

Further reading: eNaturalHealthCenter, AcupunctureToday

 

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