Angelica Sinensis

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Dang Gui

Common English Name

Angelica Sinensis

Part of Plant Used

Root

Nature

Warm

Taste

Sweet, acrid, bitter

Meridians Entered

Spleen, Kidneys

Common Usages

This herb regulates the female reproductive organs and is most often used in formulas that treat the female menstrual cycle (TCM: tonifies Blood). It is also used to treat headaches or dry skin associated with the female cycle (TCM: deficient Blood).

Traditional Usages and Functions

Tonifies Blood and regulates menses; invigorates and harmonizes Blood; moistens Intestines and moves stool.

Common Formulas Used In

Angelica; Bupleurum and Dang Gui; Cerebral Tonic Pills; Cimicafuga; Clematis and Stephania; Gentiana; Ginseng and Astragalus; Ginseng and Longan; Ginseng and Dang Gui; Ginseng and Zizyphus; Leonuris and Achyranthes; Pseudoginseng and Dragon Blood; Qiang-Huo and Turmeric; Rehmannia and Dogwood Fruit; Dang Gui and Gardenia; Dang Gui and Ginseng Eight; Dang Gui and Indigo; Dang Gui Four; Tu-Huo and Loranthus.医学全在线www.med126.com

Processing Required

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Remarks

Generally only the root of the plant is used and different parts of the root are said to have different actions. The head of the root is supposed to be the most tonifying, while the tail is said to move the Blood more strongly. The root is sold in slices that have been steamed in wine.

Cautions in Use

Use with caution where there is diarrhea, or where there is bloating due to dampness, or sign of Yin deficiency with heat.