Description
“Replenish Chi, nourish blood, and fortify immune resilience.”
Codonopsis 18, also known as Ludu 18, is a traditional Tibetan medicine formula prized as a tonic for vitality, blood, and immune strength. Mild in character yet deeply restorative, it strengthens the digestive and respiratory systems while nourishing the heart and blood.
It is especially valued for restoring strength in children, adults, and those recovering from chronic illness. Where many formulas target acute illness, Codonopsis 18 supports long-term resilience and Chi nourishment, making it a cornerstone tonic in the Tibetan pharmacopeia.
Traditional Uses
Codonopsis 18 is used for:
- Weakness and depletion of vital energy (Chi)
- Immune deficiencies and recurrent infections
- Digestive weakness, poor appetite, bloating
- Respiratory weakness, chronic cough, lung Chi deficiency
- Lymphatic disorders, chronic swelling or abscesses
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- Gout, rheumatic and joint pain
- Pruritus, sinusitis, and skin eruptions
- Recovery after long illness, cancer, or wasting diseases
Core Synergy of Ingredients
This special formula combines 18 botanicals that restore strength, harmonize humors, and balance both hot and cold etiologies:
- Codonopsis root – central tonic herb; replenishes core Chi, strengthens digestion, nourishes lungs, and builds blood.
- Cassia (Cinnamon) & Aconitum balfourii – regulate cold/hot imbalances, stimulate internal warmth, dispel cold stagnation, and relieve pain.
- Corydalis meifolia – analgesic and anti-rheumatic; moves blood, relieves pain, and supports circulation.
- Calamus (Acorus calamus) – clears dampness, awakens digestion, sharpens cognition, and harmonizes wind.
- Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica & Emblica officinalis) – gently detoxifies, tones digestion, balances all three humors, and nourishes blood.
- Tinospora cordifolia – immune modulator; anti-inflammatory, heat-clearing, and restorative in chronic depletion.
- Acacia catechu & Gymnadenia crassinervis – astringent and strengthening; stabilize tissues, reduce inflammation, and support vitality.
- Commiphora mukul (Guggul) & Camphor – open channels, reduce swelling, move stagnant blood, and protect against damp accumulation.
- Shilajit – rich in trace minerals and fulvic acids; deeply nourishing to brain, nerves, kidneys, and internal organs; enhances absorption of the formula.
- Veronica miata – balances humors, clears inflammatory toxicity, supports lymphatic and vascular health.
- Saussurea lappa (Costus root) – regulates wind and digestion; alleviates bloating, abdominal pain, and stagnant cold.
- Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) – warms digestion, stabilizes wind, and strengthens nervous system function.
- Piper longum (Long pepper) – ignites digestive fire, enhances bioavailability, dispels cold, and supports lung vitality.
Together, these herbs form a formula that is both restorative and protective—building Chi and blood while addressing inflammatory and infectious conditions.
Key Benefits of Codonopsis 18
1. Restores Vital Energy (Chi)
Codonopsis, Tinospora, and Guggul strengthen the body’s core vitality, making this formula effective for fatigue, chronic weakness, and recovery after long illness.
2. Immune System Tonic
As a major immune formula, Codonopsis 18 boosts resistance to infections, balances immune overactivity, and is beneficial in autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory disease.
3. Blood & Lymph Nourishment
By nourishing blood and supporting lymphatic circulation, it helps with swelling, abscesses, pruritus, and chronic skin or sinus conditions.
4. Digestive & Respiratory Support
Codonopsis, Calamus, and Triphala restore digestion and assimilation, while also strengthening Lung Chi and easing chronic respiratory weakness.
5. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Cancer Potential
With ingredients like Tinospora and Corydalis, Codonopsis 18 is valued as an important supportive adjunct in protocols for cancer, gout, rheumatic pain, and systemic inflammation
Biomedical Applications
Codonopsis 18 may support conditions including:
- Digestive weakness, malabsorption, loss of appetite
- Lung Chi deficiency, chronic cough, respiratory weakness
- Autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory disease
- Gout, rheumatism, arthritis pain
- Lymphatic swelling, abscesses, sinusitis, pruritus
- Immune deficiencies, recurrent infections
- Adjunct support in cancer and wasting diseases
Systemic Applications
- Digestive System – strengthens appetite, restores assimilation, reduces bloating.
- Respiratory System – nourishes lung Chi, reduces weakness, strengthens breath.
- Immune & Blood Systems – tonifies immune response, nourishes blood, supports lymphatic health.
- Musculoskeletal System – anti-rheumatic, reduces joint pain and swelling.
- Whole-Body Vitality – replenishes core life Chi and restores energy reserves.
Traditional Use
- Dosage: 2 pills once daily in the evening between 8–11 pm. Or within a protocol as advised by your holistic health care provider.
- Instructions: Take with warm water. Pills may be swallowed whole or softened in warm liquid before drinking.
A Holistic Approach to Vital Energy
Codonopsis 18 represents Tibetan medicine’s dual focus on restoration and protection. It strengthens digestion, lungs, blood, and immunity while addressing hot/cold imbalances and chronic inflammatory patterns. It pairs nicely with Shilajit 9 for increased restorative benefit.
As a mild but powerful tonic, it is suitable for children, adults, and the elderly—helping build muscle, restore energy, and protect against disease. For anyone depleted by chronic illness, immune weakness, or digestive and respiratory deficiency, Codonopsis 18 offers a path to resilient health and renewed Chi.
Traditional & Historical Use: 2 pills once or twice daily, in the morning and or the early evening, with warm water. Pills may be swallowed whole or if felt too large to swallow softened in 1/4 cup very hot water to soften for easier ingestion.
