Description
The “Female Ginseng” and Supreme Blood Tonic
Angelica Sinensis (Danggui, 当归) is the most important herb in the entire TCM pharmacopoeia for treating Blood disorders. Its unique ability to both tonify and activate Blood, making it essential for gynecological health, pain relief, and overall vitality.
It treats the root of Blood Deficiency while also addressing the branch symptom of Blood Stasis (pain). While it is famously the “female ginseng,” it is also used for men when the pattern of Blood Deficiency is present.
Warm in nature. Sweet, Pungent, Bitter in taste. It enters the liver, heart and spleen meridians.
Health Benefits
Nourishes blood, improves blood circulation, regulates menstruation, relieves menstrual pain, treats cold feet and hand, moistens intestines and laxative, boosts immunity.
Tonifies and Nourishes the Blood :
· It is the premier herb for treating Blood Deficiency, which presents with symptoms like pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, pale lips, brittle nails, and fatigue.
· It is a cornerstone for treating gynecological issues arising from Blood Deficiency, such as scanty menstruation, amenorrhea (absent periods), and irregular cycles.
Activates Blood and Circulates Blood :
· Unlike a simple tonic that can be cloying, Angelica Sinensis also has a moving quality due to its pungent flavor. This helps to dispel stasis and promote smooth Blood flow, making it ideal for treating pain, especially menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) with dark, clotted blood.
Regulates the Menses :
· It is the single most important herb for regulating the menstrual cycle. It can both promote flow if periods are scanty due to deficiency, and relieve pain if periods are blocked due to stasis.
· Relieves Pain (Zhǐ Téng):
· Its ability to move Blood makes it excellent for any pain due to Blood Stasis, including traumatic injuries, abdominal masses, and joint pain in Bi syndrome.
Moistens the Intestines :
· Through its Blood-tonifying and moistening nature, it can treat chronic constipation due to Blood or Fluid deficiency, particularly in the elderly or postpartum.
Angelica Sinensis is a versatile herb used for a wide range of conditions :
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Gynecological Health : Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, and postpartum recovery.
· Anaemia and Blood Deficiency : Chronic fatigue, pale complexion, and heart palpitations.
· Pain Syndromes : Abdominal pain, traumatic injuries, and chronic headaches.
· Constipation due to dryness or deficiency.
The Three Parts of Danggui Root
In classical TCM, the root is sometimes divided into three parts, each with slightly different emphases :
· Danggui Tou (当归头, Head) : Believed to be best for stopping bleeding and guiding blood upward.
· Danggui Shen (当归身, Body) : Considered the most potent part for tonifying Blood.
· Danggui Wei (当归尾, Tail) : Thought to be strongest for activating Blood and breaking stasis, and thus more strongly pain-relieving.
In modern practice, the whole root (Quan Danggui, 全当归) is most commonly used to achieve a balanced effect.
Precautions
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Sign : Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and irritability. The warm nature of Astragalus can worsen these symptoms.
· Heavy Menstrual Bleeding : Unless the bleeding is caused by Blood Stasis with clots, its blood-activating property could potentially worsen bleeding.
· Pregnancy : It is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to its emmenagogue (menstruation-promoting) and blood-activating effects, which could stimulate the uterus. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
Angelica Sinensis is a staple in both pharmacy and kitchen.
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, and stews for a tonic effect.
