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Dang Gui (當歸), the root of Angelica sinensis, is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine and the foremost herb for the blood. It both tonifies and invigorates the blood, making it central to the treatment of blood deficiency and gynaecological disorders.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Angelica sinensis (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Common English Name
Chinese Angelica root
Taste
Sweet, acrid, bitter
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Liver, Heart, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the blood and nourishes Liver blood
- Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis
- Regulates menstruation and stops pain
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
- Reduces swelling and promotes the healing of sores
Indications
Blood deficiency with a pale complexion, dizziness and palpitations; irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea; abdominal pain from blood stasis; constipation from blood deficiency and dryness; and sores and abscesses.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang and Chuan Xiong as Si Wu Tang to tonify and regulate the blood; with Huang Qi (as Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang) to tonify qi and blood.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in diarrhoea or loose stools from Spleen deficiency with damp, and in those with yin deficiency and heat. Its moving nature warrants care in pregnancy.
