Dong Quai

Applications

Clinical Applications

1. For deficiency of both qi and blood: Often combined with Astragalus (Huangqi) and Ginseng (Ren Shen) to tonify qi and generate blood, such as in the Danggui Bu Xue Decoction (*Lan Shi Mi Cang*) and the Ginseng Yang Rong Decoction (*Treatise on Epidemic Fevers*).

2. For blood deficiency manifesting as sallow complexion, palpitations, and insomnia: Often combined with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Dihuang), White Peony (Bai Shao), and Sichuan Lovage (Chuanxiong), such as in the Four Substances Decoction (*Formulas of the Bureau of Harmonious Preparations*).

3. For blood deficiency with blood stasis, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea: It is often used in combination with herbs that nourish blood and regulate menstruation, such as Siwu Decoction from *Heji Jufang*. If accompanied by qi deficiency, it can be combined with ginseng and astragalus; if accompanied by qi stagnation, it can be combined with cyperus and corydalis; if accompanied by

blood heat, it may be combined with Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis, or with Paeonia suffruticosa and Lycium barbarum; if amenorrhea is due to blood stasis, it may be combined with Prunus persica seeds and Carthamus tinctorius; if blood deficiency is accompanied by cold stagnation, it may be combined with donkey-hide gelatin and Artemisia argyi, among others.

4. For abdominal pain caused by blood deficiency, blood stasis, and cold stagnation: Combine with Cinnamomum twig, Paeonia, and Zingiber officinale, as in the Angelica, Ginger, and Mutton Decoction (*Jin Gui Yao Lue*) or the Angelica and Jianzhong Decoction (*Qian Jin Fang*).

5. For treating pain caused by blood stasis resulting from trauma: Use in combination with Frankincense, Myrrh, Peach Kernel, and Safflower, as in the Fuyuan Huoxue Decoction (*Medical Inventions*) and the Huoluo Xiaoling Pill (*A Synthesis of Chinese and Western Medicine*).

6. For initial swelling and pain in skin ulcers and abscesses: Used in combination with detoxifying and abscess-resolving herbs such as Lonicera japonica, Paeonia rubra, and Trichosanthes kirilowii to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, as in the Immortal Formula for Preserving Life Decoction (*Effective Prescriptions for Women*).

7. For abscesses and sores that have become purulent but have not ruptured, or that fail to heal after rupture: Used in combination with Astragalus, Ginseng, and Cinnamon, as in the Ten-Ingredient Great Tonifying Decoction (*Formulas of the Bureau of Harmonious Preparations*).

8. For gangrene with ulceration and depletion of yin and blood: May be used in combination with Honeysuckle, Scrophularia, and Licorice, as in the Four-Miracle Courage-Restoring Decoction (*New Compilation of Proven Formulas*).

9. For treating pain from wind-cold bi syndrome and numbness in the limbs: It is suitable for promoting blood circulation, dispelling cold, and relieving pain; it is often used in combination with Qianghuo, Fangfeng, and Astragalus, as in the Juanbi Decoction (*Selected Formulas from the Hundred and One*).

10. For blood deficiency-induced intestinal dryness and constipation: It is often used in combination with Cistanche, Achyranthes, and Cimicifuga, as in the Jichuan Decoction (*Jingyue Quanshu*).

Related Compatibility

1. Dong Quai combined with Paeonia lactiflora: Angelica sinensis excels at nourishing blood, soothing the liver, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain; Paeonia lactiflora excels at nourishing blood, soothing the liver, consolidating yin, and relieving pain. When combined, these two herbs nourish and regulate blood. This combination is suitable for palpitations and restlessness caused by deficiency of heart blood; dizziness, tinnitus, and muscle spasms caused by deficiency of liver blood; and irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea in women caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis.

2. Dong Quai combined with Cistanche deserticola: Angelica sinensis excels at nourishing and replenishing blood, as well as moistening dryness and lubricating the intestines; Cistanche deserticola excels at tonifying yang and nourishing yin, as well as moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. When combined, these two herbs enhance the warming, moistening, and laxative effects. This combination is suitable for constipation caused by yin deficiency and qi weakness.

3. Dong Quai combined with Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared): Angelica sinensis tonifies blood and promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation; Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) tonifies blood and replenishes essence and marrow. When combined, these two herbs enhance the effects of tonifying blood and nourishing yin. This combination is suitable for various symptoms of blood deficiency complicated by yin deficiency.

4. Dong Quai combined with Schizonepeta tenuifolia: Angelica sinensis excels at nourishing and invigorating the blood; Schizonepeta tenuifolia excels at dispelling wind and stopping bleeding. When combined, these two herbs enhance the effects of nourishing the blood, stopping bleeding, dispelling wind, and invigorating the blood. This combination is suitable for postpartum blood deficiency; emergency treatment for fainting and loss of consciousness caused by wind-induced dizziness; or conditions such as blood deficiency leading to wind, including hand and foot spasms, limb tremors, and itchy skin.

5. Dong Quai combined with Chishao: Danggui excels at nourishing blood, soothing the liver, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain; Chishao excels at clearing heat, cooling the blood, dispersing blood stasis, and relieving pain. When combined, these two herbs enhance the effects of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. This combination is suitable for abdominal pain caused by dysentery, bloody and purulent stools, disharmony between the liver and spleen, abdominal cramping, and persistent, dull pain.

6. Dong Quai combined with Aconite root: Angelica sinensis excels at nourishing blood, soothing the liver, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain; Aconite root excels at warming the kidneys, strengthening yang, dispelling cold, and relieving pain. When combined, these two herbs enhance the effects of nourishing blood, soothing the liver, warming the kidneys, and strengthening yang. This combination is suitable for conditions such as spleen deficiency resulting in an inability to control blood flow, blood loss leading to yin deficiency and subsequent yang deficiency, chronic conditions that are difficult to treat, and yang deficiency with blood loss complicated by blood stasis.

7. Dong Quai combined with fire hemp seeds: Angelica sinensis replenishes and activates blood circulation, while also moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements; fire hemp seeds are sweet, neutral, and oily, and also moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements. When combined, these two herbs enhance the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. This combination is suitable for conditions such as constipation due to blood deficiency and intestinal dryness.

Medicinal Identification

1. Raw Dong Quai, Wine-Processed Dong Quai, Stir-Fried Dong Quai, and Charred Dong Quai: These four are different processed forms of Dong Quai. Due to their distinct processing methods, each has its own specific therapeutic focus. Raw Angelica has a moist nature and excels at nourishing the blood, regulating menstruation, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation; it is commonly used for blood deficiency syndromes, constipation due to blood deficiency, and abscesses, boils, and skin ulcers.Wine-processed Angelica is particularly effective at promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation; it is commonly used for amenorrhea due to blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic arthralgia, and trauma-induced injuries. Stir-fried Angelica can tonify blood without causing loose stools; it is frequently used for loose stools due to blood deficiency, intermittent abdominal pain, and abdominal pain caused by deficiency-cold in the middle jiao. Charred Angelica primarily focuses on stopping and harmonizing blood; it is often used for metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, and bleeding due to blood deficiency.

2. Dong Quai Head, Body, and Tail vs. Whole Angelica Root: Dong Quai root can be divided into three parts—the head, body, and tail—which can be used separately as Angelica Root Head, Angelica Root Body, and Angelica Root Tail, or combined as Whole Angelica Root. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Angelica Root Head and Tail are more effective at promoting blood circulation and breaking up blood stasis, while the Angelica Root Body is more effective at nourishing the blood; Whole Angelica Root is effective for both nourishing the blood and promoting blood circulation.

3. Dong Quai and Notoginseng: Both have a sweet taste and warm nature, entering the Liver and Heart meridians, and are capable of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. They are both used to treat contusions, bruises, and swelling and pain caused by blood stasis. However, Angelica sinensis has a pungent taste and enters the Spleen meridian; it excels at nourishing blood, regulating menstruation, and moistening the intestines. It is particularly effective for treating various symptoms of blood deficiency, abdominal pain due to deficiency-cold, rheumatic arthralgia, boils, abscesses, and sores, as well as intestinal dryness and constipation.Sanqi dissipates blood stasis and stops bleeding; it has a slightly bitter taste and enters the Stomach meridian, while also possessing tonifying properties. It is characterized by its ability to stop bleeding without leaving residual stasis and to dissipate stasis without harming the body’s vital energy. It is particularly effective for treating various types of internal and external bleeding, especially when accompanied by blood stasis.

4. Dong Quai and Jixueteng: Both have a sweet taste and warm nature, entering the Liver Meridian. They both possess the functions of nourishing and invigorating the blood, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. They treat not only blood deficiency with pallor and weakness but also menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea caused by blood deficiency or blood deficiency combined with blood stasis and cold, as well as trauma and rheumatic arthralgia.However, Angelica sinensis has a pungent taste and enters the Heart and Spleen meridians; its medicinal potency is relatively strong, and it also relieves pain. It is suitable for cases of severe pain due to blood stasis accompanied by cold pathogens, as well as for treating abdominal pain caused by deficiency-cold, and sores and swellings—whether in the early stages, those that have not ulcerated despite prolonged duration, or those that have been ulcerated for a long time without healing. It can also moisten the intestines and is used to treat constipation caused by blood deficiency and intestinal dryness.Milk-Vine has a bitter taste and enters the Kidney meridian; its medicinal potency is relatively mild, and it excels at relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. It is suitable for conditions involving blood deficiency or obstruction of the meridians.

Related Medicines

1. Dong Quai Fluid Extract (from *Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations*, 2020 Edition)

(1) Composition: This product is a fluid extract prepared from processed Angelica sinensis.

(2) Functions and Indications: Nourishes blood and regulates menstruation. Used for irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis.

2. Dong Quai Blood-Nourishing Oral Liquid (Pills) (from *Clinical Guidelines for Medication Use: Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulated Preparations*, 2020 Edition)

(1) Composition: Astragalus, Dong Quai.

(2) Functions and Indications: Tonifies qi and blood. Indicated for conditions of deficiency of both qi and blood.

3. Danggui Blood-Nourishing Pills (from *Clinical Guidelines for Medication Use: Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulated Preparations*, 2020 Edition)

(1) Composition: Dong Quai, Fried Astragalus, Fried White Peony Root, Rehmannia, Ejiao, Atractylodes, Poria, Fried Eucommia, Moutan Bark, Processed Cyperus.

(2) Functions and Indications: Tonifies qi, nourishes blood, and regulates menstruation. Indicated for menstrual irregularities caused by deficiency of both qi and blood, manifested as early menstruation, scanty or excessive menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, and physical weakness.

4. Danggui-Kushen Pills (from *Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Formulated Preparations*, 2020 Edition)

(1) Composition: Dong Quai, Sophora flavescens.

(2) Functions and Indications: Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis; dries dampness and clears heat. Indicated for acne and rosacea caused by damp-heat and blood stasis obstruction, manifested as acne and nodules on the face, chest, and back; red, hot skin; or accompanied by pus-filled lesions, hard nodules, a “wine-nose,” and a red nose.

5. Dong Quai Longhuai Pills (from *Essential Guidelines for Clinical Medication: Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations*, 2020 Edition)

(1) Composition: Gentiana (wine-roasted), Rheum palmatum (wine-processed), Aloe vera, Coptis chinensis (wine-processed), Scutellaria baicalensis (wine-processed), Phellodendron amurense (salt-processed), Gardenia jasminoides, Indigo naturalis, Angelica sinensis (wine-processed), Aquilaria agallocha, synthetic musk.

(2) Functions and Indications: Clears fire and relieves constipation. Indicated for excessive liver and gallbladder fire, restlessness, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, deafness, pain in the flanks, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, and chronic constipation.

Related Prescriptions

1. Dong Quai Bu Xue Decoction (from *Discussions on Distinguishing Confusions in Internal and External Injuries*)

(1) Composition: Astragalus, Angelica sinensis.

(2) Functions and Indications: Tonifies qi and generates blood. Indicated for blood deficiency with floating yang and fever, manifested as muscle heat and facial flushing, restlessness with thirst and a desire to drink, a洪大而虚 pulse that is large and hollow but weak upon firm pressure;It also treats fever and headache due to blood deficiency in women during menstruation or postpartum, or in cases where ulcers or sores have not healed for a prolonged period.

2. Dong Quai Sini Decoction (*Treatise on Cold Damage*)

(1) Composition: Danggui, Guizhi, Shaoyao, Xixin, Gancao, Tongcao, Dazao.

(2) Functions and Indications: Warms the meridians and dispels cold; nourishes blood and unblocks the meridians. Indicated for blood-deficiency with cold-induced cold extremities, manifested as cold hands and feet, or pain in the lower back, thighs, legs, feet, shoulders, and arms; no thirst; pale tongue with a white coating; and a deep, fine pulse or a fine pulse that is nearly imperceptible.

3. Huoluo Xiaoling Dan (from *Medicine: Integrating Chinese and Western Principles*)

(1)Composition: Angelica sinensis, Salvia miltiorrhiza, raw Frankincense, raw Myrrh.

(2) Functions and Indications: Activates blood circulation and removes blood stasis; unblocks meridians and relieves pain. Indicated for patterns of qi and blood stagnation, manifested as pain in the chest and abdomen, pain in the legs and arms, bruising and swelling from trauma, internal and external sores and ulcers, as well as masses and accumulations.

4. Shenghua Decoction (from *Fu Qingzhu’s Gynecology*)

(1) Composition: Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong, Peach Kernel, Dried Ginger, Licorice.

(2) Functions and Indications: Nourishes blood and removes blood stasis; warms the meridians and relieves pain. Indicated for conditions of blood deficiency with cold stagnation and blood stasis obstruction, manifested as retained lochia after childbirth and cold pain in the lower abdomen.

5. Dong Quai Liu Huang Decoction (from *Lan Shi Mi Cang*)

(1) Ingredients: Angelica sinensis, Raw Rehmannia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Phellodendron amurense, Coptis chinensis, Prepared Rehmannia, Astragalus membranaceus.

(2) Functions and Indications: Nourishes yin and clears fire; consolidates the exterior and stops sweating. Indicated for yin deficiency with excessive fire and night sweats, manifested as fever, night sweats, flushed face, restlessness, dry mouth and lips, dry and hard stools, yellowish-red urine, red tongue with yellow coating, and rapid pulse.

Medicinal Diet Therapy

1. Dong Quai and Old Hen Soup

(1) Effects: Nourishes blood and yin; moistens dryness and stops bleeding. Suitable for blood deficiency with sallow complexion, dizziness and palpitations, restlessness and insomnia due to internal wind caused by deficiency, dry cough due to lung dryness, and chronic cough with hemoptysis.

(2) Ingredients: 15 g each of Angelica sinensis and Codonopsis pilosula; 1 old hen; scallions, ginger, cooking wine, and salt to taste.

(3) Preparation: Slaughter the hen, wash it thoroughly, and cut it into pieces. Place the hen, Angelica sinensis, and Codonopsis pilosula in a pot. Add water, scallions, ginger, and cooking wine, then simmer over low heat. Season with salt when cooked.

(4) Usage: Consume both the meat and the broth in several portions. Patients with general weakness may take this once a week.

2. Notoginseng and Dong Quai Soup

(1)Effects: Nourishes and invigorates blood, removes blood stasis, and regulates qi. Suitable for symptoms of cyclic intermenstrual bleeding accompanied by dark purple menstrual blood (possibly with clots), stabbing pain in the lower abdomen that worsens with pressure, emotional depression, distending pain in the chest, flanks, and breasts, a dark purple tongue, and petechiae on the tongue body or under the tongue.

(2) Ingredients: 5 g Panax notoginseng, 15 g Angelica sinensis, 10 g Cyperus rotundus,100g lean pork, and an appropriate amount of rice wine.

(3) Preparation: Wash the lean pork and cut it into small pieces; place the Panax notoginseng, Angelica sinensis, Cyperus rotundus, and lean pork into a pot together, then add an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour. Add an appropriate amount of rice wine to season, then serve.

(4) Usage: Consume warm in the morning and evening, beginning one week before the expected onset of menstruation.

Notes

Patients requiring treatment with traditional Chinese medicine should first consult a licensed TCM hospital, where a TCM practitioner will conduct a professional diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate herbal formula.