Dāng Guī · Chinese Angelica Root
Dāng Guī (当归, Chinese Angelica Root) is a herb of Warm nature and Sweet, Pungent flavor, in the “Blood Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify and Invigorate Blood, Regulate Menstruation, Moisten Intestines.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Dāng Guī
- Characters
- 当归
- Botanical name
- Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Sweet, Pungent
- Meridians
- Heart, Liver, Spleen
- Category
- Blood Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify and Invigorate Blood
- Regulate Menstruation
- Moisten Intestines
- Alleviate Pain
Traditional uses
- Blood deficiency with dizziness and palpitations
- Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea
- Amenorrhea and postpartum abdominal pain
- Traumatic injury and pain
- Constipation in elderly or blood deficient
Studied effects and current applications
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Relieves menstrual pain and cramps
- Improves circulation
- Nourishes blood for anemia
- Relieves constipation
- Reduces inflammation
Applications under investigation
- PMS and menopausal symptoms
- Anemia
- Cardiovascular health
- Chronic pain conditions
- Constipation
- Post-surgical recovery
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding disorders
- Surgery (within 2 weeks)
Relative contraindications
- Diarrhea from Spleen deficiency
- Abdominal bloating and distention
- Pregnancy
- Contraindicated in pregnancy. May cause uterine contractions.
- Breastfeeding
- Limited data. Use with caution.
- Children
- Generally not used in children.
- Older adults
- Use with caution; may increase bleeding risk
Possible adverse effects
- Diarrhea
- Photosensitivity
- Allergic reactions
- Increased menstrual flow
When to stop
- Pregnancy
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Heavy bleeding
- Before surgery
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet | Warfarin, Heparin, Aspirin | Severe | Increases bleeding risk significantly Avoid combination or monitor INR closely |
| Hormone therapy | Estrogen, Birth control pills | Moderate | May have estrogenic effects Use with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions |
With other herbs
- blood_moving_herbs Increased blood-moving and bleeding risk
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-15 grams daily
- Powder
- 1-3 grams daily
- Extract
- 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 5-10 days (menstrual issues)
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- 3 months, then reassess
- Children
- Generally not used in children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 3-15g in 3 cups water for 30-40 min. Add near end of cooking to preserve volatile oils.
Traditional blood tonifying
Soak 30g in 500ml rice wine for 2 weeks. Take 15-30ml daily.
Blood circulation, menstrual issues
Take 1-3g powder in capsules or warm water.
Convenience
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Phthalides (isobutylphthalide, butylidenephthalide) and coumarins
Fathalida · Antispasmodic, vasodilator, neuroprotective
Calcium channel blockade, platelet aggregation inhibition · Major compound of essential oil
Fathalida · Uterine muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory
COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition, smooth muscle relaxation · 45-65% of root essential oil
Phenolic acid · Antioxidant, antiplatelet agent, cardioprotective
Thromboxane A2 inhibition, free radical scavenging · 0.05-0.1%
Coumarins · Mild anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory
Vitamin K epoxide reductase inhibition, NF-κB blockade · 0.01-0.05%
Polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, hematopoietic
Stimulation of erythropoiesis, activation of hematopoietic stem cells · variable
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November), 3-year-old plants
Harvested in autumn of the third year when the leaves turn yellow. The roots are slightly moistened, stacked in covered piles to sweat 3-5 days, then dried over low heat or in the sun.
Root washed, sweated briefly to soften, sliced and dried. The upper part of the root (头tóu) activates the blood more; the middle part (身 shēn) tones more; the branches (尾 wěi) move blood to the extremities.
Slices sprinkled with yellow rice wine (黄酒, 10 ml per 100 g) and fried over medium heat, stirring constantly until dry and golden in color.
Slices fried over high heat until the outside is charred black but the inside remains dark brown. Turn off with cold water immediately.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
