Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula) vs Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

About

Codonopsis is a small twining perennial growing to 5 feet with oval leaves and pendulous green and purple bell-shaped flowers marked with purple in summer. Native to northeastern China and growing throughout the region - especially in the Shanxi and Szechuan provinces - it is propagated from seed in spring or autumn, and the root is harvested in autumn once the aerial parts have died down. In Chinese herbal medicine, codonopsis holds a central place as a gentle tonic that increases energy levels, improves physical and mental well-being, and helps the body adapt to stress.

Biennial herb growing to 8 in (20 cm). Has red blotches on stem, crinkled lance-shaped leaves, 4-petaled yellow flowers, and elongated seed capsules. The flowers, leaves, and stem bark of evening primrose have astringent and sedative properties. All three parts have been employed in the treatment of whooping cough. Evening primrose has also been taken for digestive problems and asthma, and used as a poultice to ease the discomfort of rheumatic disorders.

Safety & precautions

No known warnings. Generally safe and well-tolerated.

Do not take evening primrose oil if suffering from epilepsy.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.