Herb of the Week: Angelica Sinensis

Historically prized in China for thousands of years, Angelica Sinensis is considered the “ultimate herb” for women. It was traditionally used to address nearly every gynecological complaint, from regulating the menstrual cycle to easing menopausal symptoms. Beyond women’s health, it was also used as a general blood tonic to combat fatigue and improve circulation after blood loss or illness.

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Angelica sinensis
• Common Name(s): Dong Quai, Dang Gui, Female Ginseng
• Energetics: Warming, Moistening, Sweet, Acrid, Bitter

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

• TCM Name (Pinyin): Dāng Guī (当归)
• Meridians Influenced: Heart, Liver, and Spleen
• Therapeutic Actions: Tonifies Blood, invigorates and harmonizes Blood, disperses Cold, stops pain due to Blood Stasis, and moistens the Intestines to unblock the bowels.
• TCM Diagnosis Patterns: Commonly used for Blood Deficiency patterns (presenting as pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations) and various types of Blood Stagnation (presenting as sharp, fixed pain).
• Common TCM Uses: It is a foundational herb in many famous formulas, most notably Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction), a primary blood-tonifying formula.

Allopathic Medicine (Western) – In Western countries, Angelica sinensis is not used as a prescription drug. However, it is widely available and popular as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, primarily marketed to women for relief from menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Preparations – The dried root is the part used. In traditional settings, it is most often boiled with other herbs in a decoction (tea). It is also commonly found in modern preparations such as powders, capsules, tablets, and tinctures, and is frequently added to tonic soups in Chinese culinary traditions.

Commonly Grown Where?

• Country, Climate, Zone: Native to the high-altitude, cold, and damp mountains of China (particularly Gansu, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces), as well as Korea and Japan.

Final Thoughts, or Fun Fact or Mythology

The Chinese name Dāng Guī (当归) translates to “state of return.” This name is often interpreted poetically, suggesting the herb’s ability to help the body return to its proper order and balance, or to help a woman’s health “return” to its rightful state.

Angelica is a main ingredient in our Imperial Blend formula.