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Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) is a commonly used Chinese herb with a bidirectional regulatory effect. It is included in formulas such as Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer), Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction), and Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Angelica Sinensis Blood Supplement Decoction). When used medicinally, some practitioners categorize Angelica Sinensis into Dang Gui Tou (Angelica Head), Dang Gui Shen (Angelica Body), and Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Tail).
Dang Gui Tou primarily stops bleeding, Dang Gui Shen mainly tonifies blood, and Dang Gui Wei is focused on invigorating blood: it has a stronger effect than typical blood-invigorating herbs. Whole Angelica Sinensis has the dual function of tonifying and invigorating blood. In clinical prescriptions, unless specified otherwise, the term “Dang Gui” refers to the whole herb, which is a mixture of Dang Gui Shen and Dang Gui Wei.
Experts believe that when used for treatment, Dang Gui Tou has a significant blood tonifying effect, Dang Gui Shen is more balanced, and Dang Gui Wei’s role is to invigorate blood. For dietary therapy, whole Angelica Sinensis can be used.
Angelica Sinensis can tonify and invigorate blood, moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, enhance immune function, and also beautify the skin. It contains 17 essential amino acids required by the human body.
The name Angelica Sinensis symbolizes the hope of family members for the safe return of loved ones from afar, which is why it is favored as a health and beauty product, promoting health and beauty while carrying good wishes.
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Angelica Sinensis Blood Supplement Decoction)
Ingredients: 15g of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), 15g of roasted Astragalus (Huang Qi).
Preparation: Boil in tap water for 15 minutes, take twice a day.
Effects: Suitable for deficiency of both Qi and blood, physical weakness, emaciation, dizziness, post-illness weakness, and postpartum blood deficiency.
Dang Gui Hong Zao Cha (Angelica Sinensis and Red Date Tea)
Ingredients: Appropriate amount of red dates (pitted), appropriate amount of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), appropriate amount of brown sugar, 1 egg.
Preparation: Pit the red dates, place the ingredients in a pot and simmer with Angelica Sinensis. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 30 minutes on low heat. Finally, crack the egg into the pot and cook until done, then drink the soup and eat the egg.
Note: Angelica Sinensis is warm in nature and should be avoided by those with excess heat and Yin deficiency. It should also be avoided by those with diarrhea, abdominal distension, dampness, and poor appetite.
Effects: Tonifies blood and beautifies the skin, regulates Qi and blood. Suitable for preventing wrinkles and spots, soothing tension, and alleviating liver spots and dry, dull skin caused by blood stasis.
Mechanism of Action: Red dates can strengthen the spleen and nourish blood. When cooked with Angelica Sinensis, they can replenish blood deficiency and disperse blood stasis. Eggs contain protein, are neutral and sweet, and can calm the mind, nourish blood, and benefit Qi. Angelica Sinensis can invigorate blood and promote the growth of Yin, benefiting blood and liver. When combined with red dates, it can strengthen the spleen and nourish blood.
Dang Gui Shou Rou Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Lean Meat Soup)
Ingredients: 15g of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), 150g of lean pork.
Preparation: Soak the Angelica Sinensis slices in an appropriate amount of cold water for 15 minutes. Slice the lean pork and cook it in a pot with the Angelica Sinensis until the meat is tender. Consume the meat and drink the soup.
Effects: Nourishes blood and tonifies Qi. This recipe is suitable for postpartum or post-illness blood deficiency leading to amenorrhea, abdominal pain, physical weakness, anemia, neurasthenia, Qi deficiency fatigue, dizziness, memory decline, poor appetite, and irregular menstruation.
Text and images by Wang Hong
Editor: Wang Hong
First Review: Zhang Yin
Second Review: Lu Bo
Third Review: Peng Wenyi
