The Healing Power of Dang Gui 當歸 (Angelica sinensis)
When it comes to the vast pharmacopeia of Chinese medicine, few herbs can rival the legacy and versatility of dāng guī. Known in the West as Angelica sinensis or Dong Quai (its romanization under the Wade-Giles system), this herb has been treasured for centuries for its remarkable ability to nourish the blood, support hormonal health, and alleviate various discomforts. At TENET Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture in Rogers, Arkansas, dāng guī is one of the 160 herbs we offer in our Chinese Herbal Dispensary. As with all of our herbs, we dispense it in its most potent, raw herb form to help you tap into its full benefits.
If you’re curious about this "women's tonic" and how it can contribute to your well-being, this blog will walk you through its history, benefits, key compounds, and the best ways to integrate it into your routine.
What is Dang Gui?
Dāng guī, often referred to as "female ginseng," is a perennial herb native to China. Its name literally translates to “now return,” symbolizing the herb’s ability to restore balance and vitality in the body. Used predominantly in Chinese medicine, Dāng guī is beloved for its ability to tonify and regulate the blood, particularly in matters related to women’s health.
At TENET, we believe that every herb carries not only ancient wisdom but also an innate ability to bring us closer to balance, and we are honored to share the healing properties of dāng guī with our community in Rogers, AR.
A Historical Herb Rooted in Culture
Dāng guī has deep roots in Chinese cultural and medical practices, with its use documented as far back as 2,000 years ago in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica). Traditionally, it was used to address blood-related concerns, ease pain, and support postpartum recovery.
There is a famous legend about the herb dāng guī that highlights its significance in Chinese culture. The story tells of a young couple who were separated when the husband left to gather medicinal herbs in the mountains, facing great danger to prove his courage. He promised to return within three years, and if he didn’t, his wife was to assume he was lost or dead and remarry. After three years, the husband had not returned, and the wife remarried. Shortly after, he came back, and both were heartbroken. He gave her the herbs he collected as a token of his love. Overcome with grief, the woman fell ill and her monthly cycle became painful and irregular. One day, she remembered the herbs her love had gifted her. She took a large dose of them, intending to poison herself and end her life. Instead, the herbs restored her strength and vitality, regulating her cycle.
Dāng guī receives its name from this legend. 當 dāng has a broad array of applications, ultimately conveying the idea of timeliness and taking responsibility. Some examples include "to undertake," "should," and "now." 歸 guī illustrates the ideas of returning, belonging, and coming together. One of its literal meanings is "marry." Thus, the herb was named dāng guī, meaning "time to return," symbolizing not only the longing between the two lovers, but also the herb’s remarkable healing power to revitalize ones health.
How We Use Dang Gui at TENET
1. Women's Health
Regulate Menstrual Cycles: Dāng guī helps manage irregular periods, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and heavy bleeding.
Address Menopause Symptoms: It can alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and hormonal imbalances by mimicking estrogen-like properties through its natural phytoestrogens.
Support Fertility: Chinese medical physicians often use dāng guī to treat blood deficiency that can affect fertility and prepare the body for conception.
2. Blood Tonic and Circulatory Vitalizer
Dāng guī is praised for its ability to nourish the blood, making it a go-to remedy for symptoms like pallor, dizziness, fatigue, and dry skin.
Its properties also promote healthy blood circulation, particularly in the abdomen and pelvic area, making it effective in alleviating cold-related menstrual pain.
3. Pain Relief
With natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, dāng guī helps reduce abdominal and menstrual pain, as well as pain from trauma or arthritis.
4. Digestive Health
It gently moistens the bowels, offering relief from constipation caused by blood deficiency or dryness.
5. Skin Healing and Radiance
Dāng guī is used to treat slow-healing wounds, skin sores, and abscesses. It is also included in formulations for dry, itchy skin, supporting overall skin health and vitality.
The Science Behind the Herb
The effectiveness of Dang Gui lies in its potent bioactive compounds:
Ferulic Acid: Known for its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory actions, this compound supports blood flow and reduces pain.
Z-Ligustilide: A powerful antioxidant, it works as a neuroprotective agent and helps alleviate inflammation.
Phytoestrogens: Plant compounds that mimic estrogen, aiding hormonal balance.
Polysaccharides: These compounds enhance immune function and may possess anti-tumor properties.
This combination of chemical components works synergistically to create the robust therapeutic effects that Dang Gui is renowned for.
Harness the Power of Dang Gui at
TENET Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
At TENET, we believe in combining ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver holistic healing to our patients. Whether you're exploring this herb for menstrual support, blood nourishment, or overall vitality, I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Curious to learn how dāng guī can transform your health? Visit our clinic in Rogers, Arkansas, or book a consultation today.
