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Among the tonifying medicines used in the treatment of epidemic diseases, Ginseng Radix (Renshen) is considered the most important because it can greatly tonify Yuan Qi (Original Qi). When added to exterior-releasing formulas, sweating occurs easily; when added to interior-purgative formulas, Yin fluids are not depleted, a feat that Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu/Cangzhu) cannot achieve. Therefore, for elderly patients with deficiency and timidity who contract epidemics, reliance on Ginseng Radix is extremely urgent. However, Ginseng Radix is not something that ordinary affluent families can easily obtain; if necessary, Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) may be used as a substitute. The "Ginseng" mentioned in ancient texts refers to what is now called Codonopsis Radix. Hence, in ancient times, there was a designation known as "Shangdang Ginseng." Where is Shangdang? It is the Luzhou Prefecture in Shanxi Province. The Codonopsis produced in Shangdang today, although its efficacy is relatively weak, retains the nature of Ginseng. Its texture is hard and not very thick or large, and its taste is both sweet and bitter, possessing much of the character of Ginseng, except that its color is whiter than Liaoshen (Ginseng from Liaoning). I recall that forty years ago, this herb was prevalent and not expensive, costing only two qian of silver per liang. Later, fake varieties such as "Bang Dang" (Bundle Dang) and "Fang Dang" (Saposhnikovia Dang) appeared, selling for as low as two qian per jin. Pharmacies, attracted by their low price, exclusively sold these fakes, causing genuine Codonopsis Radix to be rejected and cease circulation. Over time, people even forgot what genuine Codonopsis looked like, directly mistaking Bang Dang and Fang Dang for Codonopsis Radix. Little did they know that the so-called Bang Dang and Fang Dang of today... They are named "Bang Dang" because they are bundled into bundles, and "Fang Dang" because their shape resembles Saposhnikovia Root (Fangfeng). How can adding such substances to plague remedies support the Righteous Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors? Those who use Codonopsis Radix must seek genuine specimens from Luzhou to ensure efficacy. However, genuine specimens have been unavailable for a long time; it is heard that some pharmacies in Jining still stock them, but they are rare elsewhere. Additionally, there are two other types: Ming Dang and Yang Shen. Ming Dang resembles Asparagus Fern Root (Tiangdong) with pointed ends at both sides; Yang Shen resembles Bletilla Rhizome (Baiji) but has a notably cool nature. Their identities are unknown, and thus they are not dared to be used. Furthermore, pharmacies offer a product called "Guang Dang," claimed to originate from Guangdong. "Dang" is a place name. Naming it "Guang Dang" instead of "Guang Shen" is linguistically illogical from the start; how can one dare consume it? This is truly laughable. I consulted Materia Medica texts which stated that Ophiopogon Tuber (Weirui) could substitute for Ginseng, and medical books noted that small doses were ineffective. My hometown's mountains have plenty of this plant, so I excavated it, processed it according to regulations, and used it in heavy doses, hoping for its tonifying effects. Unexpectedly, it misled me. After taking it, I suffered from headache and nausea. I initially thought it was accidental and not due to the medicine, but subsequent repeated uses yielded the same results. Thus, I realized that the claim that Ophiopogon Tuber can substitute for Ginseng is absolutely unreliable.