Dang Gui
May 13th, 2008 by Michael Max
Sometimes it is referred to as the “women’s ginseng.” A panacea for the health concerns that include monthly cycles and changes of life. In western vocabulary it is called Angelica. It has a sweet aromatic fragrance with an affinity for nourishing the blood and improving its circulation. While there is no such thing as a miracle herb, Dang Gui comes pretty close in that it is safe as food, and has such a powerful effect on feminine cycles.
While it is not advised to use herbs to treat serious conditions without proper medical advise, Dang Gui can be used quite safely for minor problems with the menstrual cycle, blood loss from injury, or anemic conditions.
It actually makes a nice soup base for either a chicken or vegetable soup, especially when combined with other blood nourishing herbs like Gou Qi Zi, or qi boosting medicinals like Shan Yao.
In places like Taiwan, they sell little bottles of single dose Dang Gui based soups in all the 7/11’s and grocery stores. Women there drink it after their period like we drink lattes in America.
Want to know more? Talk to your local Chinese herbalist!