Glehnia, Bei Sha Shen 北沙参Adenophora, Nan Sha Shen 南沙参 Glehnia littoralisKomorov, V.L., Flora of the U.S.S.R., vol. 17 Glehnia littoralisPhoto by Pieria Adenophora strictaPhoto by Kenraiz (Wikimedia) Botanical name: There are two main varieties of Sha Shen: Bei Sha Shen: Glehnia littoralis (Northern China) Nan Sha Shen: Adenophora tetraphylla, A. stricta (Southern China) The two roots are largely synonymous, and were only differentiated in the 17th century. Parts used: Root Temperature & Taste: Cool, moist. Sweet, slightly Bitter Classifications: N. Yin Tonic Uses: 1. Nourishes Lung Yin, Clears Lung Heat: -dry, non-productive Cough from Heat and Yin deficiency-chronic Cough-Hemoptysis, Consumption-it has been used alone for Lung-heat Cough-also used alone for weak pulse and cold limbs after Blood loss (Chengdu Chinese Herbal Medicine)-“replenishes Lung Qi”. (Shen Nong Ben Cao)-“good for treating prolonged coughing”. (Li Shi Zhen) 2. Nourishes Stomach Yin, Generates Fluids: -dry mouth, thirst, irritability-also for toothache caused by Stomach Fire from Yin deficiency-“treats impediment in the Stomach, relieves epigastric and abdominal pain”. (Ming Yi Bie Lu) 3. Promotes Milk: -cooked with Pork and the soup drunk, promotes breast Milk 4. Nourishes Yin, Settles Wind: -“Relieves Convulsions” (Shen Nong Ben Cao)-“good for relieving Headache and Vertigo” (Ming Yi Bie Lu)-“stops convulsions…

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