Angelica Sinensis (当归) is a well-known tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Today, let’s learn more about it.
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Historical Records
Shennong Bencao Jing (《神农本草经》) records: Angelica Sinensis (当归) has a sweet and warm flavor. It is indicated for cough, warm malaria, cold and heat syndromes, skin issues, women’s menstrual disorders, and various sores and wounds, typically prepared as a decoction.
Bencao Huiyan (《本草汇言》) states: For diseases that worsen at night, it is a blood condition, and it is advisable to use Angelica Sinensis. For diseases characterized by deficiency and cold, where Yang is insufficient, it is also recommended.
Bencao Gangmu (《本草纲目》) notes: Angelica Sinensis is not a type of celery, but it resembles celery in flower and leaf, hence its name. In ancient times, marriage was for continuation of lineage, and Angelica Sinensis is a key herb for women, symbolizing the desire to return to a loved one, thus its name.
Effects of Angelica Sinensis
【Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movement】
Angelica Sinensis is effective in relieving constipation caused by blood deficiency and dry intestines, promoting bowel movements and detoxification, and is commonly used to treat postpartum constipation in women, age-related constipation, and habitual constipation.
【Activating Blood and Resolving Stasis】
Angelica Sinensis can treat symptoms such as abdominal pain due to deficiency and cold, traumatic injuries, and rheumatic pain. It has the effects of activating blood circulation, warming the meridians, and relieving pain and spasms.
【Regulating Menstruation and Alleviating Pain】
Angelica Sinensis is often used to treat gynecological diseases, nourish and invigorate blood, and regulate menstruation and relieve pain, as it has sweet and spicy flavors that nourish blood, invigorate circulation, and alleviate pain.
【Nourishing Blood and Invigorating Blood Circulation】
Angelica Sinensis is known as a holy herb for nourishing blood, effective in treating symptoms such as pale complexion due to blood deficiency, insomnia, and palpitations caused by insufficient blood nourishing the heart and spirit.
【Enhancing Immunity】
The extracts of Angelica Sinensis contain ferulic acid and polysaccharides that can stimulate macrophages in the body to enhance immune function.
【Beauty and Skin Care】
The aqueous solution of Angelica Sinensis can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, preventing the formation of melasma and freckles. Grinding Angelica Sinensis into powder and applying it to the face can promote blood circulation and enhance beauty.
Contraindications for Angelica Sinensis
Due to the warming nature of Angelica Sinensis, which invigorates blood and nourishes it, it is commonly said to be a powerful tonic. First, pregnant women should avoid using Angelica Sinensis, as it can cause dilation of blood vessels in the uterus, leading to a risk of miscarriage.
Secondly, individuals with excess heat and bleeding should not take Angelica Sinensis. Additionally, those with excess dampness and loose stools should also avoid it.
In summary, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, individuals with poor gastrointestinal function, prone to diarrhea, excessive liver fire, high heat, and those with colds and fevers should not consume Angelica Sinensis, as it may have adverse effects and harm the body.
Dietary Therapy with Angelica Sinensis
1. Angelica Sinensis and Gastrodia Elata Steamed Egg
In TCM, it is believed that chronic diseases can affect the meridians and kidneys. Therefore, most chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, heart disease, and diabetes can lead to kidney meridian damage and stasis, causing edema and proteinuria.
One of the causes of kidney meridian stasis is Qi deficiency. When symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale tongue with thin white coating appear, the kidney meridian can easily become blocked. Individuals with Qi deficiency and meridian obstruction can frequently consume this Angelica Sinensis and Gastrodia Elata egg custard.
Preparation: Grind 10 grams of Gastrodia Elata and 6 grams of Angelica Sinensis into fine powder, mix it with egg liquid, and steam for 10 minutes before consumption.
Effects:Gastrodia Elata has the effects of calming liver Yang and dispelling wind, while Angelica Sinensis is both a blood-nourishing and blood-activating herb, capable of nourishing and invigorating blood circulation.
Precautions:Those with significant internal heat, such as a flushed face, prone to acne, and a red tongue with yellow greasy coating, as well as those with bleeding tendencies should avoid this dish. Kidney disease patients should follow medical advice regarding the daily intake of eggs.
2. Angelica Sinensis and Carp Soup
Ingredients:1 carp, 1 piece of Angelica Sinensis, 2 tablespoons of goji berries, 10 slices of astragalus, and 5 slices of ginger.
Preparation:Make a horizontal cut on the back of the carp, rub 1 tablespoon of salt evenly on the fish, stuff a little ginger into the fish’s belly, and marinate for 15 minutes. Place all ingredients in a pot, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine and 4 bowls of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 35 minutes.
Effects:Angelica Sinensis and carp soup is a nourishing soup suitable for women with dysmenorrhea and deficiency. Generally, using only carp to make soup can achieve a nourishing effect.
Carp soup has the effects of strengthening the spleen, promoting dampness, harmonizing the stomach, stimulating appetite, activating blood circulation, and warming the middle and descending Qi, making it suitable for middle-aged individuals, those recovering from illness, and postpartum women.
3. Angelica Sinensis, Codonopsis, and Red Date Chicken Soup
Ingredients:15 grams of Codonopsis, 12 grams of Angelica Sinensis, 8 red dates, 1 chicken leg, and 2 grams of salt.
Preparation:Clean and chop the chicken leg, blanch it in boiling water, rinse; wash the Angelica Sinensis, Codonopsis, and red dates. Place the chicken leg, Codonopsis, Angelica Sinensis, and red dates in a pot, add appropriate water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 30 minutes on low heat. Add salt for seasoning before serving.
Effects:Red dates have the effects of tonifying the middle, benefiting Qi, nourishing blood, calming the spirit, and strengthening the stomach and brain. Long-term consumption can also moisturize the skin, reduce facial spots, and prevent hair loss.
This soup can nourish blood, strengthen the spleen, benefit Qi, and has dietary therapeutic effects for blood deficiency headaches, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
4. Angelica Sinensis, Longan, and Pig Kidney Soup
Ingredients:150 grams of pig kidney, 30 grams of longan flesh, 10 grams of Angelica Sinensis, and appropriate amounts of red dates and ginger slices.
Preparation:Clean the pig kidney, cut it open, and remove the white membrane; wash the Angelica Sinensis and longan flesh. Boil water in a pot, blanch the pig kidney to remove blood foam, then cut it into pieces. Add appropriate water to the pot, bring to a boil, then add all ingredients and simmer for 2 hours, adding salt for seasoning before serving.
Effects:Longan flesh is rich in vitamin P and vitamin K, which have the effects of nourishing deficiency, benefiting the mind, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit, as well as protecting blood vessels. This soup can nourish blood, calm the spirit, and has dietary therapeutic effects for insomnia and palpitations.
5. Angelica Sinensis Powder
Wash an appropriate amount of Angelica Sinensis, dry it, and grind it into powder. Take it with warm water for effects of invigorating blood circulation, nourishing blood, and promoting bowel movement, while also alleviating rheumatism and sores.
6. Angelica Sinensis Steamed Meat Pie
Ingredients:20 grams of Angelica Sinensis, 200 grams of minced pork, and appropriate amounts of cooking oil, salt, and chicken powder.Preparation:Wash and chop the Angelica Sinensis. Mix it with minced pork, appropriate salt, chicken powder, and cooking oil. Place it in a steamer and steam until cooked.Effects:Angelica Sinensis nourishes blood, invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and promotes bowel movement. It is suitable for women with anemia and dysmenorrhea.
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Text and Images by丨Wen Shuying
Editor丨Wen Shuying
Reviewed by丨Administrative Office
Proofread by丨Wen Shuying
Reviewed by丨Luo Ruman
