Angelica / Dong Quai (当归): The Female Ginseng

1. Properties and Classification

Dong Quai (当归, Danggui) — the dried root of Angelica sinensis — is the most important Blood tonic in the Chinese materia medica. Its name, Danggui, means "should return" — reflecting the traditional belief that it helps a woman's body return to its proper, balanced state. It has been used for over two thousand years as the central herb in women's health formulas.

Dong Quai's unique power lies in its dual action: it both tonifies Blood (nourishes and builds) and invigorates Blood (moves and circulates). Most Blood herbs do one or the other; Dong Quai does both, which is why it is so valuable for menstrual issues where deficiency and stasis coexist. It enters the Heart (which governs Blood), Liver (which stores Blood), and Spleen (which produces Blood). For Blood-nourishing foods, see our blood-nourishing foods guide.

2. Traditional Uses

Tonifying Blood

For Blood deficiency — pale complexion, dizziness, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, blurred vision, numbness — Dong Quai is the lead herb. It nourishes and builds Blood, gradually restoring the body's substance. It is especially important for women after menstruation, childbirth, or blood loss. The classic Blood-tonifying formula Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) features Dong Quai as a key ingredient. For PMS and menstrual support, see our TCM for PMS guide.

Invigorating Blood and Regulating Menstruation

Dong Quai also invigorates Blood — moves stagnant Blood and promotes circulation. This makes it essential for menstrual issues involving stasis: irregular periods, painful periods with dark clots, delayed periods, and amenorrhea. By both tonifying and moving Blood, Dong Quai addresses the root (deficiency) and the branch (stasis) simultaneously. This dual action is why it is called the Female Ginseng.

Relieving Pain

The pungent, warm, and moving nature of Dong Quai gives it significant pain-relieving properties. It is used for pain related to Blood stasis — menstrual pain, abdominal pain, and pain that is fixed and stabbing in nature. It also relieves pain from cold in the Blood channels, especially when combined with warming herbs.

Moistening the Intestines

Dong Quai also moistens the intestines and is used for constipation from Blood deficiency, especially in the elderly or postpartum, where dryness and lack of Blood lubrication cause dry, difficult stools. See our jujube red date guide for a complementary Blood-nourishing food.

3. Dosage and Preparation

Cooking with Dong Quai

The classic preparation is Danggui chicken soup (当归鸡) — a traditional postpartum and Blood-nourishing dish. Place 10 to 15 grams of Dong Quai (in a cloth bag) with chicken, jujube dates, ginger, and goji berries; simmer for 1 to 2 hours; remove the herb bag before serving. The root has a distinctive aromatic, slightly sweet taste that infuses the broth. This soup is ideal for women after menstruation, after childbirth, and for anyone with Blood deficiency.

Pairing with Other Herbs

• With Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) and Peony (Bai Shao) — the classic Blood-tonifying formula Si Wu Tang.
• With Astragalus (Huangqi) — tonifies both Qi and Blood (Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang).
• With Chuanxiong (Ligusticum) — enhances Blood-invigorating and pain-relieving effects.
• With Jujube and Goji — gentle Blood-nourishing food therapy.

4. Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dong Quai (Danggui) used for in TCM?

Dong Quai (Danggui) is the premier Blood tonic in TCM, called the Female Ginseng. It tonifies Blood (for pale complexion, dizziness, dry skin), invigorates Blood (for pain and stasis), regulates menstruation (for irregular, painful, or absent periods), and relieves pain (especially menstrual and abdominal). Its unique dual action — both nourishing and moving Blood — makes it essential for menstrual and postpartum health. See our TCM for PMS guide.

Can Dong Quai regulate menstruation?

Yes. Dong Quai is one of the most important herbs for menstrual regulation in TCM. It tonifies Blood for light or absent periods (deficiency) and invigorates Blood for painful periods with dark clots (stasis). It is a key ingredient in Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), the classic women's Blood formula. However, the specific pattern must be identified — Dong Quai is not appropriate for all menstrual issues (e.g., heavy bleeding). Consult a licensed TCM practitioner for your specific pattern.

Is Dong Quai safe during pregnancy?

No. Dong Quai should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Its blood-invigorating and moving properties can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. Also avoid during heavy menstrual bleeding, as its blood-moving nature can increase flow. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor and a licensed TCM practitioner before using any herbs.

How do you cook with Dong Quai?

Dong Quai is commonly cooked into chicken soup (Danggui chicken soup is a classic postpartum and Blood-nourishing dish) or brewed as tea. Simmer 6 to 15 grams in water for 30 to 60 minutes for tea, or add to chicken soup with jujube and goji and simmer 1 to 2 hours. The root has a distinctive aromatic, slightly sweet taste. Remove the pieces before eating. See our blood-nourishing foods guide and jujube guide for complementary foods.