Codonopsis (often Codonopsis pilosula, also known as "dang shen") is an herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In classical TCM texts and practice, Codonopsis is valued as a general tonic, especially for strengthening the spleen and lungs, improving energy ("qi"), and supporting immune function. Its use for "blood poisoning"—a term that may refer to sepsis or systemic infections in modern medicine—is based on traditional beliefs that Codonopsis can bolster the body's resistance and help restore balance after illness or infection.

However, there is no robust scientific evidence or clinical trials that specifically support Codonopsis for the treatment of blood poisoning or sepsis. The herb is sometimes included in complex TCM formulas intended for recovery from illness or for general immune support, but these uses are not directly equivalent to treating acute blood poisoning. The rating of 1 reflects the fact that while there is a traditional basis for its use in supporting recovery and immune function, there is little to no direct historical evidence of its use specifically for "blood poisoning," and no modern clinical validation for this indication.

Use of Codonopsis for any serious infection or sepsis should not replace medical treatment, as there is no scientific validation for its efficacy in such conditions.