HIERBAS BUENAS - From the Family of Good Herbs
ANGELICA SINENSIS: THE SUPREME WOMAN’S HERB

The Chinese name of angelica sinensis is variously spelt as Dong Qui, Dong Gui, Gong Quai, Dang Gui, Tang Kwei, Tang Qwai, of Tan Kwe on labels of herb products. Dang gui is a blood tonic. It is invaluable in many formulas for treating gynecological complaints such as PMS and menopause syndrome.

The use of dang gui nourishes the body and dispels stagnant blood and abdominal pain. As it can stimulate the uterus and stop pain, it is hailed as the supreme woman’s herb. Yet, it also helps men with anemia, blurred vision, and palpitations. As it moistens the intestines, it is used for treating constipation due to dry bowels.

Angelica sinensis can be prepared as food in tea, soup, congee, or wine. A delicious way is to make soup with 2-3 whole pieces of dang gui root with chicken, pork, mutton, or duck. Gang gui is often used in combinations such as Regenerative and Transformational Formula, a good postpartum formula consisting of dang gui and ginger; Angelica Restorative Decoction consisting of dang gui, cinnamon, ginger (fresh), Chinese jujube, white peony and licorice; Four-Item Decoction (consisting of dangfue, ehite peony, cnidium, and rehmannia) for treating female disorders before or after childbirth, menstrual irregularity, menopause, and infertility; The Eight Precious Formula, and The Ten Complete Tonic Decoction.

The combination of ten ingredients include three grams each of ginseng, atractylodes, hoelen, cnidium, rehmannia, paeonia, cinnamon, astrgalus, and dang gui (angelica sinensis), plus one gram of licorice. This is a well-known tonic for boosting one’s qi (energy), xue (blood), yin and yang after sickness, surgery, or childbirth. It is effective for those having a tendency toward anemia, fatigue, debility, lack of appetite, and dry skin.

This tonic combination cooked with chicken or pork can benefit men and women alike.
PCMC herb center carries dang gui (angelica sinensis) roots and pre-packaged ingredients of the Ten Complete Tonic Decoction for making soup.

We also carry dang gui teas and tablets, as well as patent combination herb products with dang gui as a key ingredient, such as The Eight Precious Combination and The Ten Complete Tonic, available in pill form.

February 1999