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Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) inherits the sweet flavor of Earth and the warm Qi of Heaven; thus, its taste is sweet and acrid, its nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. The sweet flavor moderates, the acrid flavor astringes and moistens, and the warm nature unblocks and promotes circulation. It enters the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, and also enters the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It is an essential herb for invigorating blood and nourishing blood. The rhizome should be removed, and the root sliced. When used in formulas for breaking up blood stasis, the tail ends should be used raw. When used in formulas for nourishing and harmonizing blood, either the whole root or raw slices may be used, stir-fried with wine.

Danggui treats swelling due to blood coagulation from trauma, intestinal scraping and anal prolapse from heat-dysentery, and alternating chills and fever from warm malaria. It relaxes tendons and moistens the intestines. It is indicated for women’s conditions before and after childbirth, and for men’s five exhaustion and seven injuries. It warms the middle jiao and alleviates heart and abdominal pain; it nourishes Ying (nutritive) blood and treats pain in the limbs and joints. It is applicable in both Qi and Blood patterns for wind-stroke with spasms, metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding), and leukorrhea. It possesses both tonifying and purgative properties. It is also used for eye diseases, toothache, ulcers, traumatic wounds where muscle growth is slow, and all conditions characterized by dryness, astringency, scorching, and withering. It is commonly included in formulas containing wind-dispelling herbs. Its taste is acrid and sweet, and its Qi is warm and dense. The sweet flavor moderates the middle, the acrid flavor disperses and moistens, and the warm nature ensures smooth circulation. It enters the Liver, Heart, and Spleen meridians. For blood stagnation, it can disperse; for blood deficiency, it can tonify; for blood dryness, it can moisten; for scattered blood, it can guide it back to its proper course. Indeed, it is a crucial herb in the category of blood disorders. In any disease caused by blood pathology that worsens at night, this herb is indispensable. However, it is contraindicated in cases of loose stools/diarrhea, consumption of Heart Qi, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and hematemesis (vomiting blood).

Indications (Integration with Smallpox/Rash Diseases): Should be stir-fried with wine to nourish and move blood. It is suitable for smallpox/rashes caused by blood deficiency, presenting as dull, lacking luster, and not red and vibrant. If there is simultaneous blood heat and blood deficiency, it can be used together with Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) stir-fried with wine. Contraindicated in patients with loose stools.

Commentary: Danggui is an essential herb for blood disorders. Acrid and warm, it has a dispersing action, making it a Qi-moving herb within the blood. The head (top part) stops bleeding and directs action upward; the tail (bottom part) breaks blood stasis and directs action downward; the body (middle part) nourishes blood and maintains stability in the center; the whole root invigorates blood without fixed direction. When Qi and Blood are chaotic, taking this herb stabilizes them; it leads various types of blood to return to their respective meridians, hence the name "Danggui" (Returning to the Proper Place). In cases of epistaxis, vomiting blood, metrorrhagia, or bloody stool, if used in prescriptions, it must be stir-fried with vinegar and used in small amounts, as excessive use may disturb the blood due to its acrid and warm nature. It is contraindicated in diarrhea because of its slippery and moistening quality.