Sanqi Danggui Tang: The Classic Chinese Medicinal Soup for Blood Health

Sanqi Danggui Decoction Medicinal Food: A Popular Science Article

Introduction to Medicinal Cuisine (Yaoshan)

Sanqi Danggui Tang (Notoginseng and Angelica sinensis Soup) is a classic TCM medicinal food passed down through millennia, rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom of dietary therapy for health maintenance. It is crafted with the two core herbs, Notoginseng and Angelica sinensis, supplemented with ingredients such as chicken or pork ribs. Notoginseng, also known as Tianqi, is mainly produced in Wenshan, Yunnan, and is renowned as “gold that cannot be exchanged” (Jin Buhuan); Angelica sinensis is honored as the “holy herb for blood” and is a representative herb in TCM for supporting blood nourishment and healthy blood circulation. The combination of these two harmonizes both Qi and Blood, resulting in a nourishing delicacy that offers both flavor and health-supporting properties.

In the traditional Chinese medicinal diet system, Sanqi Danggui Tang (Panax notoginseng and Angelica sinensis soup) holds a unique position. Unlike purely potent medicinal formulas or ordinary home-style soups, it skillfully integrates herbs with food ingredients, allowing the active components to be fully extracted through slow simmering. This achieves the effect of “medicinals borrowing the power of food, and food assisting the potency of medicinals.” This soup is particularly suitable for modern individuals experiencing Qi and Blood Stagnation due to high work stress and prolonged sitting, making it an excellent choice for home wellness maintenance.

Historical Origins and Cultural Value

The formula for *Sanqi Danggui Tang* (Panax notoginseng and Angelica sinensis Decoction) can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. In regions such as Yunnan and Sichuan, it has been traditionally used by the people to support recovery from occasional physical strain and postpartum blood deficiency. The Qing dynasty work *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica) records the combination of Sanqi and Danggui, noting that it “supports smooth circulation in the meridians and nourishes the blood without causing stagnation.” For centuries, this medicinal food has moved from the imperial palace kitchens to ordinary households, serving as an important bridge between traditional Chinese medicine theory and daily diet, embodying the Chinese wellness philosophy of “medicine and food sharing the same origin.”

Benefits of Medicinal Diet

Sanqi Danggui Tang (Sanqi and Danggui Decoction) primarily supports healthy blood circulation and nourishes the blood. The notoginsenosides in Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) help maintain normal microcirculation and balanced platelet activity, supporting cardiovascular function. Danggui (Angelica sinensis) is rich in ferulic acid and various vitamins, which promote hemoglobin synthesis and maintain healthy red blood cell levels. Their synergistic action helps maintain unobstructed blood flow while replenishing blood reserves, thereby supporting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health in modern lifestyles.

Aside from supporting blood circulation and nourishing the blood, this herbal dish also helps with occasional discomfort and supports normal swelling relief. It supports the body’s natural response to minor injuries, occasional discomfort related to blood stasis and swelling, as well as temporary joint discomfort associated with dampness. Additionally, Sanqi Danggui Tang (Notoginseng and Angelica Sinensis Decoction) helps regulate immune function, supports macrophage activity, and assists the body in maintaining its natural defenses. When consumed in moderation over time, it may also help support a healthy complexion, improve skin texture, and promote a radiant appearance.

Overview of Main Functions

supports healthy blood circulation and promotes normal blood supply to the Heart and brain; nourishes and strengthens the blood to help reduce occasional fatigue and weakness; supports comfortable movement of the meridians and helps with occasional joint discomfort; supports immune function and helps maintain the body’s natural defenses; promotes skin health and a radiant complexion.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, warm nature, and enters the Liver and Stomach Meridians. It supports the body’s natural ability to maintain normal blood circulation and helps with occasional discomfort from minor injuries. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) records that Panax notoginseng “helps maintain healthy blood flow,” and is considered a key herb for blood health.

Angelica sinensis (Danggui) has a sweet and pungent taste, warm nature, and enters the Liver, Heart, and Spleen Meridians. Its functions include supporting healthy blood production and circulation, helping to maintain normal menstrual cycles and occasional discomfort, and promoting regular bowel movements. When combined, these two herbs work in harmony—one dispersing and one nourishing—to help clear stagnant blood while supporting the generation of healthy blood, facilitating smooth blood circulation and easing temporary discomfort. This combination aligns with the core TCM principle that “Qi and blood share a common origin.”

At the level of pattern-based dietary therapy, Sanqi Danggui Tang (Panax notoginseng-Angelica sinensis Decoction) is designed to address the pathological state of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis combined with Blood Deficiency. Individuals with this pattern often present with a purple-dark tongue body or stasis spots, a rough and hesitant pulse, a dusky complexion, and fixed stabbing pain, while also experiencing signs of imbalance such as dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, and dream-disturbed sleep due to Blood Deficiency. In the formula, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) primarily targets stasis and stagnation, while Angelica sinensis (Danggui) concurrently supports blood nourishment. When used in equal proportions or at a specific ratio, the combination can achieve a subtle balance of “dispelling stasis without harming the right [Qi], and enriching blood without retaining evil.” Modern pharmacological research also confirms that this herbal pair synergistically supports healthy blood viscosity levels and normal vascular endothelial function.

Suitable for

Sanqi Danggui Tang (Notoginseng and Angelica Decoction) is primarily suitable for individuals experiencing suboptimal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. This includes those who may have occasional elevations in blood lipids, increased blood viscosity, or early signs of arterial stiffness; middle-aged and elderly individuals who frequently experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or numbness in the limbs; and individuals with a family history of Heart or brain health concerns who are considered at higher risk. For such individuals, moderate and consistent consumption of this decoction helps support healthy blood circulation and maintain cardiovascular and cerebrovascular well-being.

In addition, the following groups are particularly suitable: those with sallow complexion, pale lips and nails, dizziness, and fatigue associated with Blood Deficiency patterns; individuals with unresolved bruising and swelling after injuries or in recovery from soft tissue contusions; women with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or postpartum lochiorrhea associated with Blood Stasis and Blood Deficiency patterns; office workers experiencing Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis due to prolonged sedentary work and lack of exercise; and cancer patients in post-chemotherapy/radiation recovery who seek to support healthy blood levels and immune function. These individuals may experience significant nourishing effects when consuming under the guidance of a professional practitioner.

Contraindicated Groups

Sanqi Danggui Tang (Notoginseng and Angelica Decoction) is beneficial, but not suitable for everyone. First, it should be avoided during pregnancy, as Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) has a strong effect in supporting healthy blood circulation, which may influence uterine activity and potentially affect pregnancy health. Breastfeeding women should also use it with caution, as some components of Angelica sinensis (Danggui) may be transferred to the infant through breast milk. Second, women with heavy menstrual flow should temporarily discontinue use during menstruation to help maintain normal menstrual flow.

Other individuals who should use caution include those with a tendency toward occasional bleeding (e.g., individuals with gastric mucosal sensitivity, low platelet support, or coagulation concerns); those with a Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat constitution—manifesting as dry mouth and throat, five-palm heat, and night sweats—as both Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) and Angelica sinensis (Danggui) are warm in nature and may aggravate internal heat; those currently taking medications that support blood thinning (such as warfarin or aspirin), as concurrent use may affect normal clotting; and during periods of common cold or fever, as well as for those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold accompanied by severe loose stools. Children, the elderly, and individuals with Liver or Kidney health concerns are advised to use only after evaluation by a professional TCM practitioner.

Food ingredient formula and proportion

Standard recipe (for 3-4 servings): 15 g of *Panax notoginseng* (Sanqi) slices (or 10 g of *Panax notoginseng* powder), 15 g of *Angelica sinensis* (Danggui) body, 10 g of *Codonopsis pilosula* (Dangshen), 10 g of *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi), 6 red dates (jujube), 3 slices of fresh ginger, half a free-range chicken (approximately 500 g), or 400 g of pork ribs. Additionally, 10 g of *Lycium barbarum* (Goji berry) may be added to enhance flavor and color. All herbs should be fresh and free from mold; for the chicken, choose free-range chicken to ensure a rich bone flavor and better nutritional support.

If for a single person’s wellness regimen, reduce the above dosage by half: 8 grams of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) slices (or 5 grams of powder), 8 grams of Angelica sinensis (Danggui) body, 5 grams of Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen), 5 grams of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), 3 Fructus Jujubae (Hongzao), 2 slices of Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang), 200 grams of chicken or 150 grams of pork ribs. The key ratio principle is that the amounts of Sanqi and Danggui should be roughly equal to help maintain a balance between supporting healthy blood circulation and supporting blood nourishment. Those with a constitution tending toward cold may add 2 grams of Danggui; those with a constitution tending toward heat may reduce it by 2 grams and cook with 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) to moderate its warm-drying nature.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Cut the free-range chicken into pieces and place in a pot with cold water. Add ginger slices and cooking wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then remove and rinse with warm water. Set aside. Quickly rinse Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) slices with clean water. Soak Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen), and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) in warm water for 10 minutes. Remove the pits from red dates (jujubes). If using Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) powder, add it 10 minutes before the cooking is finished to avoid prolonged boiling which may reduce its potency.

Step 2: Simmer the medicinal soup. Place the prepared chicken pieces, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) slices, Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen), Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Ziziphus jujuba (Hongzao), and Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) together into a clay pot. Add enough purified water (about 2500 ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time, try not to lift the lid; maintain even heat to allow the active components to fully extract. In the last 10 minutes, add Lycium barbarum (Gouqi) and season with an appropriate amount of salt. If using pork ribs, you may extend the simmering time to 2.5 hours.

Step 3: Strain and consume. After turning off the heat, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the herbal residue, keeping only the clear decoction. The liquid should be reddish-brown, clear without cloudiness, with a rich aroma and a slightly sweet‑bitter taste. Sanqi Danggui Tang (Panax notoginseng and Angelica sinensis decoction) is best consumed warm, ideally on an empty stomach in the morning or in the afternoon for optimal benefit. Any remaining decoction can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but should not be reheated repeatedly. It is recommended to finish it on the same day to preserve its beneficial properties and flavor.

Drinking Tips

1. Drinking Cycle and Dosage Control: It is recommended to drink continuously for 5–7 days as a basic cycle, then take a 2–3 day break before resuming. Each serving should be 200–300 ml, once daily. Excessive consumption may lead to internal heat or gastrointestinal discomfort. For daily health maintenance, consume 1–2 cycles per month, and it is not suitable for year-round uninterrupted use.

2. Contraindications and Dietary Cautions: While consuming this soup, it is advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid simultaneously eating foods that may counteract the herbal properties, such as raw radish, strong tea, and mung beans. It is recommended not to consume this soup together with seafood or spicy, irritating foods to avoid affecting the absorption of the herbal benefits or causing occasional discomfort. If you are currently taking other Chinese or Western medications, please allow an interval of at least 2 hours before drinking this soup to help maintain proper interactions.

3. Individualized Adjustment and Practitioner Consultation: It is recommended to consult a professional TCM practitioner before initial consumption, especially for those with underlying health conditions or special constitutions. Monitor your body’s response; if signs of heat such as dry mouth, constipation, or epistaxis appear, appropriately reduce the dosage or add cooling and moistening herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) to maintain balance. Pregnant women, menstruating women, and those with a bleeding tendency must follow medical advice and should not consume without consulting a healthcare professional. Finally, please note that medicinal foods cannot replace formal medical supports; if signs of imbalance persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.