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[Harm] Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) has a pungent and warm flavor. Although it can tonify blood and invigorate blood circulation, its nature is ultimately to move and circulate blood, which may cause loose stools. Its qi is incompatible with Stomach qi. Therefore, it is strictly contraindicated for individuals with weak intestines and stomachs, loose or watery stools, all types of Spleen and Stomach diseases, aversion to food, anorexia, and indigestion. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The pungent and warm dispersing power of Danggui is even stronger than that of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and Xixin (Asari Radix). For those with Qi deficiency, Blood weakness, and internal heat, taking it may induce spasms. Danggui is incompatible with Luru (a plant) and damp flour; it fears Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Haizao (Sargassum), and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens).

[Benefits] Danggui has a sweet and pungent flavor and is warm in nature. It removes blood stasis and generates new blood, relaxes sinews and nourishes Ying (Nutritive) Qi, warms the Middle Jiao, and moistens the intestines. The Heart governs Blood, the Liver stores Blood, and the Spleen controls Blood. As a Blood herb, Danggui enters these three meridians. The root head stops bleeding, the root tail breaks blood stasis, and the whole root harmonizes blood. It is named "Danggui" because it can guide various types of blood back to their respective vessels. The root tail is also known as Guixu.

[Processing] Harvest the roots in February and dry them in the shade. Those that are round at both ends, purple, plump, fragrant, white inside, and non-greasy are of high quality. The "Horse Tail Danggui" from Qin region is considered superior; it has a gentle force and is good for tonification. The Sichuan variety has a strong force and is good for expelling pathogens. The root heads from other regions are only suitable for use in dispersing formulas. To treat conditions indicated by Danggui, stir-fry with wine. For hematemesis, stir-fry with vinegar or char with wine. For phlegm, stir-fry with ginger juice. After sun-drying, seal while hot in jars with paper to prevent insect damage.
Note: When Danggui is stir-fried until extremely black, it can treat bloody dysentery and blood leukorrhea. If stir-fried until scorched, it becomes bitter, and bitterness has an astringent effect on blood.

[Harm] Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) has a sour and cold flavor with an astringent property. It is strictly contraindicated for cases of weak Stomach, Cold in the Middle Jiao causing diarrhea, cold pain in the abdomen, and sensations of cold in the Stomach. It is forbidden for Shanghan (Cold Damage) disease involving Yang obstruction in the Upper Jiao, but is suitable for those with Blood deficiency and internal heat. Postpartum, it should be used after stir-frying with wine, though some say it is contraindicated postpartum.
Danxi stated: "Due to its sour and cold nature, it attacks the vitalizing energy." If absolutely necessary, it should be used after stir-frying with wine. Shizhen stated: "After childbirth, Liver Blood is already deficient; one must not further drain it." Baishao is incompatible with Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) and Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis); it fears Xiaoshi (Nitrums Crude), Biejia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum), and Xiaoji (Cirsii Japonici Herba), and is contrary to Lilü (Veratri Radix).
Case Note: Patients with liver diseases should not take large doses for long periods. (Zhu Yan's annotation)

[Benefits] Baishao has a bitter and sour flavor and is slightly cold. It astringes the Lung and cools Blood, restrains the Liver to calm the Spleen. Since the Heart governs Blood, cooling Blood benefits the Heart; its sour astringency preserves fluids. It is applicable to all Blood disorders. Combined with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), it tonifies the Spleen; combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix), it tonifies Qi; combined with Danggui and Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), it tonifies Blood; combined with Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma), it drains the Liver. Combined with Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), it forms Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (Peony and Licorice Decoction), which relieves abdominal pain. Abdominal pain generally occurs when Ying (Nutritive) Qi does not flow smoothly and rebels within the muscles and flesh.

[Processing] Harvest roots in August or September, dry them in the sun, scrape off the skin and head with a bamboo knife, cut finely, mix with honey water, and steam. Currently, raw single-petaled flowers are mostly used in medicine. Stir-frying with wine neutralizes its coldness; stir-frying with vinegar promotes blood circulation. Do not stir-fry when treating dysentery with tenesmus. Excessive consumption damages the eyes. For those with profuse sweating, it also damages Yuan Qi (Original Qi) and shortens life due to its bland and draining nature. Those with Cold in the Middle Jiao should not take it.