Illustrated Investigation of Plant Names and Realities

Page Two

Shashen original: 沙參, Shāshēn; the "Sand Root" or Ladybell (Adenophora). The name suggests a plant that grows well in sandy soil and shares the tonic-like reputation of ginseng.

The Shashen was recorded as a "Superior Grade" herb indicating it was considered safe for long-term use and highly effective in the Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medicaoriginal: Benjing (本經). This is China's oldest systematic herbal, dating back nearly two thousand years.. While it is found growing almost everywhere, those produced in the northern regions and the Taihang Mountains a major mountain range in Northern China known for its rich biodiversity are considered to be of the highest quality.

There are several varieties of this species; for a more detailed classification, one should consult the Famine Relief Materia Medicaoriginal: Jiuhuang Bencao (救荒本草). A 15th-century botanical text written to help people identify edible wild plants during times of crop failure.. Its flowers appear identical to those of the Apricot-leaf Ladybelloriginal: Jini (薺苨); Adenophora trachelioides. This plant is a common lookalike that lacks the specific medicinal potency of the true Shashen., yet the two can be distinguished: the Shashen has smaller leaves, and its root contains a distinct, woody core.