In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is referred to as the “General of the Body.” It is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and plays a crucial role in the generation and regulation of Qi and blood. However, the fast-paced and high-stress modern lifestyle, along with poor habits, often places immense pressure on the liver, leading to Qi and blood deficiency, which in turn affects overall health. In this context, finding and effectively utilizing certain natural “blood-nourishing generals” becomes an important way to regulate the liver and restore its vitality. This article will introduce two herbs regarded in TCM as excellent for nourishing blood—Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus)—and explore how they can be combined to help the liver “replenish its blood.”
Dang Gui: Nourishing Blood and Regulating Menstruation, the Foundation of Liver Blood Dang Gui, known since ancient times as a sacred herb for nourishing blood, is often referred to as the “Holy Herb for Women’s Health.” However, it is beneficial for people of all ages and genders, particularly adept at nourishing liver blood. TCM holds that the liver stores blood and governs its smooth flow; when liver blood is sufficient, Qi flows freely, resulting in a rosy complexion and abundant energy. Dang Gui is warm in nature, sweet and pungent in flavor, and enters the liver, heart, and spleen meridians, possessing the effects of nourishing blood, invigorating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, alleviating pain, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation.
How does Dang Gui nourish the liver? 1. Nourishing and invigorating blood: The polysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins in Dang Gui can effectively promote hematopoiesis, increasing the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, thereby improving symptoms such as pallor and dizziness caused by liver blood deficiency. 2. Regulating menstruation and alleviating pain: For women, Dang Gui can regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual pain, reflecting its role in regulating liver blood, as normal liver function ensures timely menstruation and adequate blood flow. 3. Moistening the intestines and relieving constipation: The liver governs the smooth flow of Qi, which is closely related to the large intestine’s function. The laxative effect of Dang Gui helps eliminate toxins from the body, reducing the burden on the liver and indirectly promoting liver health.
Huang Qi: Tonifying Qi and Strengthening the Exterior, Dual Nourishment of Qi and Blood Huang Qi, known as the “Number One Qi Tonifying Herb,” is slightly warm in nature, sweet in flavor, and enters the spleen and lung meridians, but also has significant benefits for the liver. Huang Qi can tonify Qi, raise Yang, strengthen the exterior, stop sweating, promote urination, reduce swelling, and generate fluids to nourish blood, making it an excellent remedy for enhancing physical strength and boosting immunity. In TCM theory, Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi; they are interdependent. Huang Qi promotes blood generation and circulation by tonifying Qi, thus improving liver blood deficiency.
How does Huang Qi support the liver? 1. Tonifying Qi and generating blood: Huang Qi enhances spleen and stomach function, promoting the absorption and transformation of nutrients, providing a solid material foundation for liver blood generation. At the same time, Huang Qi can increase the number of red and white blood cells in the blood, enhancing the body’s hematopoietic capacity. 2. Strengthening the exterior and stopping sweating: The liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and regulates sweat secretion. The exterior-strengthening effect of Huang Qi can prevent spontaneous sweating and night sweats caused by liver Qi deficiency, maintaining the balance of body fluids and reducing liver blood deficiency caused by fluid loss. 3. Boosting immunity: Huang Qi is rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other active components that can enhance the body’s immune function, combat free radicals, protect liver cells from damage, and promote liver self-repair.
Combination of Dang Gui and Huang Qi: Dual Effects of Nourishing Blood and Strengthening the Liver Dang Gui and Huang Qi, one nourishing blood and the other tonifying Qi, complement each other and work together on the liver, directly nourishing liver blood while promoting blood generation and circulation through Qi tonification. This is a commonly used combination in TCM for nourishing blood and strengthening the liver.
Dang Gui and Huang Qi Tea Ingredients: 10 grams of Dang Gui, 20 grams of Huang Qi, 5 red dates. Method: Wash the above ingredients, place them in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, strain, and drink as tea. Efficacy: This tea nourishes both blood and Qi, suitable for those with liver blood deficiency, Qi deficiency, pale complexion, dizziness, etc. Long-term moderate consumption can enhance physical strength and improve liver function.
Dang Gui and Huang Qi Chicken Soup Ingredients: Half a chicken, 15 grams of Dang Gui, 30 grams of Huang Qi, 3 slices of ginger, salt to taste. Method: Clean the chicken and cut it into pieces, blanch to remove blood foam; wash Dang Gui and Huang Qi, and place them in a stewing pot with chicken pieces and ginger, add an appropriate amount of water, and stew for 2 hours in a water bath, then season with salt. Efficacy: This soup is delicious and nutritious, not only nourishing blood and Qi but also enhancing physical strength and boosting immunity, especially suitable for those with weak constitutions, postpartum recovery, and those recovering from prolonged illness.
Although Dang Gui and Huang Qi are natural blood-nourishing treasures, they are not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, those with colds and fevers, and individuals with internal heat should avoid consumption. Additionally, any herbal medication should be taken under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner, adjusting dosages according to individual constitution to avoid adverse effects from excessive use.
In conclusion, Dang Gui and Huang Qi, as the “golden partners” in traditional TCM for nourishing blood and strengthening the liver, can effectively improve liver blood deficiency and promote liver health through proper combination and application. In daily life, we might consider incorporating these two herbs into our diet to enjoy the health benefits bestowed by nature. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise, is also essential for liver health.
【Special Reminder】: If you are troubled by liver and gallbladder diseases such as hepatitis B, fatty liver, alcoholic liver, cirrhosis, autoimmune liver disease, or liver cancer, or if you do not understand your test reports, you can click the image below or scan the QR code to leave your contact information and test report. We will contact you within 24 hours for detailed communication.
