What Is Angelica sinensis?
Dang Gui (scientific name: Angelica sinensis) is one of the most treasured roots in traditional herbal medicine, often called the “female ginseng.” It’s been used for over 2,000 years to support blood health, circulation, hormonal balance, and pain relief—especially for people who feel cold easily or lack energy.The root is earthy, sweet, and aromatic—and it does much more than support women’s health. It's also a favorite herb for people with cold hands and feet, fatigue, or slow circulation.
✅ What Makes Dang Gui Special?
- Nourishes blood while also improving circulation
- Gently warms the body without overstimulating it
- Helps balance hormones in a natural, plant-based way
- Known for pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits
✅ Traditional Use in Herbal Medicine
From a traditional perspective, many cold-related issues are linked to poor blood circulation or blood deficiency. If your body isn’t moving blood effectively, you might feel cold, weak, pale, or dizzy.Dang Gui is used to:
- Build and nourish blood – great for fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or lightheadedness
- Promote healthy blood flow – helpful for cold limbs, period cramps, or stiffness
- Regulate menstrual cycles – for people with irregular or painful periods
- Relieve dry constipation – especially if caused by low vitality or dryness
It’s often blended with other herbs like astragalus root or codonopsis in time-tested formulas designed to restore energy, balance, and warmth.
✅ Backed by Science
1. Improves Circulation
Dang Gui contains active compounds like ferulic acid and ligustilide, which help widen blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This makes it especially useful for people with cold extremities, low energy, or slow wound healing.
2. Hormonal Balance
It has mild phytoestrogenic (plant estrogen) properties, which may help with:
- Irregular periods
- PMS symptoms
- Menopausal discomfort like hot flashes or fatigue
3. Natural Pain Relief
Ferulic acid also has analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Studies suggest it may help ease:
- Menstrual cramps
- Joint pain
- Tension headaches
4. Antioxidant Benefits
Dang Gui is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and may support skin health and slow aging.
✅ Is Dang Gui Safe?
Yes—when used correctly and in appropriate doses, Dang Gui is considered safe for most people.Typical dose: 3–10 grams of dried root per day in tea or soup. It also comes in capsule or tincture form.
Use with caution if:
- You have heavy menstrual bleeding
- You’re taking blood thinners (it may increase bleeding risk)
- You are pregnant (should only be used with professional guidance)
- You have a hormone-sensitive condition (like certain cancers)
Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting if you have any health concerns or are on medication.
✅ How to Use It
1. Tea or Tonic
Simmer 5 grams of Dang Gui with 10 grams of astragalus root and a few red dates in water for 30–40 minutes. Drink warm for energy and circulation support.
2. In Soups
Cook it with chicken, ginger, and goji berries for a nourishing soup often used to boost energy and warmth—especially in winter or postpartum recovery.
3. Capsules or Tinctures
These are convenient for daily use. Follow the dosage on the label.
