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Dang Gui当归

Angelicae Sinensis Radix · Chinese Angelica Root · Tang-kuei

Herbs that Tonify the Blood 补血药《神农本草经》

Overview

The principal blood-nourishing herb of the materia medica — tonifying and moving the blood at once, which is why generations of gynecological formulas are built around it. Sweet and acrid, warm in nature, it enters the Liver, Heart and Spleen channels.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, acrid · Warm

Channels

Liver · Heart · Spleen

Typical Dosage

5–15 g in decoction
当归Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Tonifies the bloodBlood-deficiency presentations: pale dull complexion, dizziness, palpitations, pale lips and nails; the base action behind Si Wu Tang-family formulas.
  • Invigorates blood, regulates menses, relieves painIrregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea from deficiency with stasis; abdominal and traumatic pain where blood moves poorly.
  • Moistens the intestinesConstipation of the blood-deficient and elderly — the moistening counterpart to its tonifying action.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Dang Gui

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Blood deficiency with dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, pale complexion
    - Irregular or painful menstruation
    - Dry constipation in the blood-deficient and elderly
    - Carbuncle, sores, or skin dryness; pain due to blood deficiency

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AnemiaDysmenorrheaIrregular menstruationPMSConstipation (dry-type)Palpitations

Contraindications

Cautions

Its moistening warmth does not suit damp obstruction with fullness of the middleor loose stools from Spleen deficiency; use with care in patterns of heat with bleeding.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed. — properties & dosage cross-checked.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》Chinese Pharmacopoeia — pharmaceutical name & dosage range cross-checked.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.