Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui), the root of the plant from the Apiaceae family, is a renowned blood tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often referred to as the “Holy Medicine for Blood Supplementation.” Its primary functions and effects include blood tonification and activation of blood circulation, regulation of menstruation and pain relief, as well as moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements.
1. Blood Tonification and Activation of Blood Circulation: Angelica Sinensis is widely used to treat various conditions related to deficiency of Qi and blood, particularly effective for women experiencing symptoms due to menstrual irregularities, postpartum weakness, or menopause. Its chemical constituents, such as volatile oils, organic acids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids, can promote the production of red blood cells, improve blood circulation, and enhance immunity, thereby achieving the goal of blood tonification.
2. Regulation of Menstruation and Pain Relief: Angelica Sinensis has the ability to regulate the secretion of female estrogen, effectively alleviating common gynecological issues such as dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and functional uterine bleeding. Additionally, it possesses warming properties, dispels cold, and relieves pain, often used to treat abdominal pain and chest obstruction caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
3. Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movements: Due to its oil content, Angelica Sinensis can lubricate the intestines and promote peristalsis, thus helping to alleviate constipation. It also has a beneficial effect on dry stools caused by blood deficiency and fluid insufficiency.
4. Other Effects: Furthermore, Angelica Sinensis exhibits immune modulation, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, liver protection, and diuretic properties. Modern studies have also found that extracts of Angelica Sinensis possess certain anti-tumor activities, linking it to cancer treatment. Some research indicates that it may help improve cerebral blood circulation, providing benefits for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
In summary, Angelica Sinensis is a medicinal herb with both medicinal and dietary properties, holding an important position in the field of TCM due to its rich pharmacological activities. However, correct usage and appropriate dosages are essential to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Contraindications for Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
However, not everyone is suitable for using Angelica Sinensis. The following groups should avoid its use:
1. Individuals with high blood viscosity: While Angelica Sinensis promotes blood circulation, it may increase the risk of bleeding for those with already high blood viscosity, especially patients with hemophilia or coagulation disorders should use it cautiously or avoid it altogether.
2. Pregnant women: Taking Angelica Sinensis during pregnancy may stimulate the uterus, leading to contractions and increasing the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Therefore, pregnant women and those planning to conceive should avoid its use.
3. Women during menstruation: Due to its blood-activating properties, women with heavy menstrual flow or those who are physically weak during menstruation should avoid using it, as it may lead to excessive menstrual bleeding.
4. Individuals with diarrhea: Angelica Sinensis is sweet and warm in nature, which may negatively affect those with diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach deficiency or intestinal dysfunction. Therefore, patients with diarrhea should be cautious before taking Angelica Sinensis.
5. Patients with fever or cold: Colds can be classified into wind-cold and wind-heat types. Angelica Sinensis is a warming herb suitable for treating cold symptoms caused by wind-cold, but for those with a hot constitution or suffering from wind-heat colds, taking Angelica Sinensis may exacerbate their condition.
6. Patients on anticoagulant medications: Angelica Sinensis contains natural coumarins, which have anticoagulant effects. If patients are taking anticoagulants like warfarin, concurrent use of Angelica Sinensis may increase the risk of bleeding and requires special attention.
7. Cancer patients: The circulatory system and bodily environment of cancer patients are complex. Blindly using Angelica Sinensis without medical guidance may affect their condition; therefore, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a qualified physician.
In conclusion, although Angelica Sinensis has significant medicinal value, it is not suitable for everyone. It is best to consult a physician or TCM practitioner before use, considering individual constitution and health status to determine whether to take it and the appropriate dosage. Avoid self-medicating to prevent unnecessary health risks.
Consumption Methods of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
In addition to its medicinal uses, Angelica Sinensis can also be used as an ingredient in daily cooking. Here are several common methods of consuming Angelica Sinensis:
1. Angelica Sinensis and Red Date Tea: Slice clean Angelica Sinensis and place it with red dates in a thermos, add boiling water, cover, and steep for about 10 minutes. This tea can help nourish blood and improve physical condition, suitable for women during menstruation or those who are physically weak.
2. Angelica Sinensis Stewed Chicken: Use a cleaned hen, place it in a clay pot, and add appropriate slices of Angelica Sinensis, ginger, goji berries, and red dates. Add clean water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer until the chicken is tender. This dish nourishes the body, especially suitable for postpartum women or patients in recovery.
3. Angelica Sinensis Soup: A common blood-nourishing soup can be made using pork ribs or beef as the main ingredient. Combine Angelica Sinensis, pork ribs or beef, and other ingredients like Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen), Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi), and simmer for several hours until the broth is rich and the meat is tender. Salt can be added to taste according to personal preference.
4. Angelica Sinensis with Seafood: Clean sea cucumbers, abalone, and other seafood, and cook them with slices of Angelica Sinensis and ginger in a pot with water. This not only removes the fishy smell but also enhances the nutritional release of the seafood, particularly suitable for those needing blood tonification and circulation activation.
5. Angelica Sinensis Congee: Cook Angelica Sinensis, goji berries, red dates, and rice together to make congee, which can serve as a health recipe and is also suitable for those who are physically weak as a supplementary dietary therapy.
Before consuming Angelica Sinensis, it is best to consult a TCM practitioner or related professionals to ensure the correct and reasonable use of its dietary effects. Additionally, a balanced diet should be the foundation, and one should not overly rely on Angelica Sinensis or any single ingredient or herb to regulate health.