Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Adenophorae Radix |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 南沙參 · Nan Sha Shen |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thunb.) Fisch.(Campanulaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Slightly cold |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Stomach |
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What Is Nan Sha Shen?
Nan Sha Shen (Fourleaf Ladybell Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Guizhou.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach
Nan Sha Shen: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Adenophorae Radix
Botanical Origin
The dried root of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thunb.) Fisch.(Campanulaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Guizhou.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has long strip, thin skin, fat flesh, yellowish-white color.
Macroscopic Features
Root is cylindrical or conical, slightly curved, 7~27cm long, 0.8~3cm diameter. Externally yellowish-white or pale brownish-yellow, indented areas often remnants of rough skin; upper portion often has deep horizontal lines in intermittent rings; lower portion has longitudinal line and grooves. Apex has 1 or 2 rhizomes (necks). Light, brittle texture and easily broken, fractured surface is uneven, yellowish-white, often cracked. faint odor, slightly sweet taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; Slightly coldLungStomach
Traditional Functions
Nourishes yin and clears lung heat, benefits stomach fluids, resolves phlegm, and boosts qi.
How Nan Sha Shen Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Nan Sha Shen is classified among the Tonifying herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
