Learn About Chinese Herbs - Wild Shan Hai Luo, the Everyman's Ginseng

SHAN HAI LUO (Radix Codonopsis Lacneolatae)

Shan Hai Luo, also known as Lance Asiabell Root, is a lesser-known herb that deserves much more attention. In fact, when in its wild form, it is as powerful or potentially more powerful than wild ginseng! It can be used as a substitute in formulas or on its own, and the price difference is astonishing: wild American ginseng can cost $5,000 per pound whereas wild Shan Hai Luo sells for $30 per pound!

Taste: Sweet and acrid

Meridians: Spleen and Lung

Function: Clears Lung Heat, nourishes Yin, resolves swelling, removes toxicity, discharges pus, eliminates Phlegm and promotes milk secretion



Wild Shan Hai Luo can be used to treat the following conditions:

  • Scrofula, i.e. an infection in the lymph nodes of your neck

  • Leukorrhoea

  • Boils

  • Pulmonary abscess

  • Mastitis

  • Appendicitis

  • Oligogalactia, or scantness of milk secretion

  • Tonsillitis

Additionally, it can be taken as a tonic, as it inhibits the growth of cancer cells, promotes Qi and muscle growth, and it may resolve dizziness/vertigo.

For postpartum mothers, this is an excellent herb to add to a restorative and healing formula, as outlined in our blog post regarding postpartum care.


Wu Healing is currently offering a 30% discount for our Shan Hai Luo dried herb. Available for purchase through the link below:



Disclaimer: All above articles are for reference only. If patients are interested, please consult a professional practitioner Traditional Chinese Medicine for a consultation.

Learn about Chinese herbsMing WuComment