The combination of Dang Gui (Angelica) , Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) is a very classic nourishing pairing, integrating the effects of tonifying Qi, nourishing blood, and enriching Yin, suitable for individuals with deficiency of both Qi and blood, as well as those with weak constitutions. Below are the methods of consumption and precautions for this combination:
1. Efficacy of the Herbs
Dang Gui: Nourishes blood, invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and alleviates pain.
Dang Shen: Tonifies the middle and benefits Qi, strengthens the spleen and lungs, generates fluids, and nourishes blood.
Huang Qi: Tonifies Qi, stabilizes the exterior, promotes urination, reduces swelling, and helps in tissue regeneration.
Xi Yang Shen: Nourishes Yin, tonifies Qi, clears heat, generates fluids, and enhances immunity.
2. Combined Effects
Dual Qi and Blood Supplementation: Huang Qi and Dang Shen tonify Qi, Dang Gui nourishes blood, and Xi Yang Shen enriches Yin; together, they can supplement both Qi and blood, and moisten dryness.
Enhancing Immunity: Huang Qi and Xi Yang Shen can enhance the body’s immune function, while Dang Gui and Dang Shen help improve Qi and blood deficiency.
Regulating the Spleen and Stomach: Dang Shen and Huang Qi strengthen the spleen and benefit the lungs, suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach.
Relieving Fatigue: Suitable for symptoms such as fatigue, pale complexion, and dizziness caused by deficiency of both Qi and blood.
3. Common Methods of Consumption
(1) Boiling Water as Tea
Ingredients: 10g Dang Gui, 10g Dang Shen, 15g Huang Qi, 5g Xi Yang Shen.
Method:
Wash the herbs and place them in a clay pot or health pot.
Add an appropriate amount of water (about 1000ml), bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain the herb residue and drink the liquid as tea.
Dosage: 1 dose per day, can be divided into 2-3 servings.
(2) Stewing Soup
Ingredients: 10g Dang Gui, 10g Dang Shen, 15g Huang Qi, 5g Xi Yang Shen, 500g chicken or pork ribs, 3 slices of ginger.
Method:
Blanch the chicken or pork ribs to remove the odor.
Place all herbs and ingredients into a stewing pot, add an appropriate amount of water.
Stew in a water bath for 2 hours, add salt to taste.
Efficacy: Tonifies Qi and nourishes blood, enriches Yin and moistens dryness, suitable for those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency.
(3) Cooking Porridge
Ingredients: 10g Dang Gui, 10g Dang Shen, 15g Huang Qi, 5g Xi Yang Shen, 100g rice.
Method:
Wash the herbs and wrap them in gauze.
Put them in a pot with rice and add water to cook porridge.
Cook until the rice is soft and the porridge is thick, remove the herb bag, and add an appropriate amount of brown sugar to taste.
Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach, tonifies Qi and nourishes blood, enriches Yin and moistens dryness.
4. Suitable Population
Those with dual Qi and blood deficiency: pale complexion, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations.
Those with weak spleen and stomach: poor appetite, indigestion, fatigue.
Those with low immunity: prone to colds, weak constitution.
Those with Yin deficiency and excess heat: dry mouth and throat, tidal fever, night sweats, insomnia with vivid dreams.
5. Precautions
Use with caution for those with a hot constitution: Dang Gui, Dang Shen, and Huang Qi are slightly warm in nature, and those with a hot constitution (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, acne) should avoid long-term large doses.
Discontinue use during colds and fevers: should not be taken during external heat to avoid promoting evil Qi.
Pregnant women should use with caution: Dang Gui has blood-invigorating properties, and pregnant women should use under medical guidance.
Moderate consumption: Excessive use may lead to heat or digestive discomfort.
Consult a doctor: If there are special diseases or if taking medications, it is recommended to use under the guidance of a doctor or TCM practitioner.
6. Classic Formulas Reference
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang: 30g Huang Qi, 6g Dang Gui. Tonifies Qi and generates blood, suitable for those with dual Qi and blood deficiency.
Ba Zhen Tang: Dang Gui, Dang Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang. Dual Qi and blood supplementation, suitable for those with severe dual Qi and blood deficiency.
Conclusion
The combination of Dang Gui, Dang Shen, Huang Qi, and Xi Yang Shen has the effects of tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, enriching Yin and moistening dryness, suitable for those with dual Qi and blood deficiency and weak spleen and stomach. It can be consumed through boiling water, stewing soup, or cooking porridge, but attention should be paid to constitution and contraindications to avoid excessive or improper use. If there are special health conditions, it is recommended to use under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.