Where is codonopsis produced? A list of the main producing areas
Codonopsis is also known as Fangfeng Dangshen, Huangshan, Fangdangshen, Shangdangshen, Shitoushen, Zhonglingcao, Huangdang and so on. It is a commonly used traditional tonic medicine in China. In ancient times, the codonopsis produced in the Shangdang area of Shanxi was regarded as the finest quality, and it has the effect of tonifying the middle and benefiting qi, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs. Let us take a look at the distribution of codonopsis producing areas below!
The distribution of codonopsis producing areas
Codonopsis is mostly produced in southeastern Tibet, western Sichuan, northwestern Yunnan, eastern and southern Gansu, southern Shaanxi, Guizhou, Ningxia, eastern Qinghai, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, Inner Mongolia and the Northeast and other regions of China. It is also found in Korea, Mongolia and the Far East region of the Soviet Union, and there is a large amount of cultivation throughout the country.
The producing environment of codonopsis
Codonopsis prefers a mild and cool climate, is cold-resistant, and its roots can overwinter in the open ground in the soil. Seedlings prefer moisture and shade, and are afraid of strong light. After sowing, a lack of water makes it difficult for seedlings to emerge, and after emergence, a lack of water can cause mass death. High temperatures easily cause root rot. Large seedlings through to mature plants prefer sufficient sunlight, and it is suitable for cultivation in sandy loam with deep soil layers, good drainage, loose soil texture and rich in humus.
China's hometown of codonopsis
1. Weiyuan codonopsis: Weiyuan County in Gansu, long known as the “thousand-year medicine hometown”, is the “hometown of codonopsis in China”, and since ancient times there has been the saying “home of codonopsis”. Because of factors such as its high altitude, suitable temperature, large temperature difference between day and night, and lack of pollution, the medicinal materials produced here have long enjoyed a high reputation.
2. Shangdang codonopsis: Codonopsis was originally used as a substitute for the ginseng produced in Shangdang, Shanxi (present-day Changzhi) and continued to use the name “Shangdang ginseng”, abbreviated as Dangshen. There are many varieties of Changzhi codonopsis, distributed in Pingshun, Huguan, Zhangzi, Lucheng, Licheng, Wuxiang and other counties. It is not only sold in large quantities across the country, but also enjoys a high reputation in various Asian countries. Shangdang codonopsis is a geographical indication certification trademark.
3. Luolong codonopsis: Luolong codonopsis is a specialty of Luolong Town, Daozhen County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province. It is also called Luodang, and is deeply favored by the outside world for its tender flesh and high medicinal value. It is a geographical indication protected product.