Tonify blood
Dang Gui
当归
Chinese angelica root
Angelica sinensis
Nourishes and gently moves blood. The women’s-health herb everyone has heard of.
Not for self-dosing. This page is not a formula, not a strength, and not a substitute for a licensed herbalist or physician.
Category
Warm · Sweet, Acrid
Meridians entered
Traditional uses
Used for a pale, dry, blood-deficient picture and for cycle discomfort when blood needs both building and moving. Different angelicas (Bai Zhi, American angelica) are not substitutes. It is not a hormone.
Common pairings
- Huang Qi 黄芪
Blood and qi. The classic ratio lesson.
- Bai Shao 白芍
Two blood herbs: Dang Gui moves a little, Bai Shao softens and holds yin.
Cautions
Not for self-dosing. Care in pregnancy, with bleeding, and with blood thinners. Can upset a hot, excess pattern. Photosensitivity and allergy are possible.
Points with a similar aim
Arm Three Miles
Forearm muscle point for arm fatigue and elbow tension.
Three Yin Intersection
Inner-leg crossing of three yin channels. Not a pregnancy self-care point.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy
Sea of Blood
Inner thigh point in the “blood” teaching set.
Great Wrapping
Side-of-chest great luo. Learn the idea; press only the muscle, lightly.
Use caution
Diaphragm Shu
Mid-back point called the influential point of blood.
Use caution
Spleen Shu
Spleen transport point for tired digestion.
Use caution
Support the Mountain
Mid-calf point for cramp and the back of the leg.
Use caution
Jumping Circle
Side of the buttock, the hip point for lateral leg pain.
Use caution