Often called the most important herb for women's health in Chinese medicine, Dāng Guī (Chinese Angelica root) nourishes the Blood, promotes healthy circulation, and supports regular, comfortable menstrual cycles. It is commonly used for people with a pale complexion, fatigue, irregular periods, and dry constipation. Beyond gynecology, it is one of the most frequently used herbs across all branches of Chinese medicine, appearing in hundreds of classical formulas.

'Tonifies Blood' means Dāng Guī nourishes and replenishes the Blood, addressing conditions where the body does not have enough Blood to nourish its tissues. This is its primary action, and it is why the herb is used for a pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and a pale tongue. Classically described as "the holy herb within the Blood" (血中之圣药), its sweet flavor nourishes while its warm nature gently supports the production of new Blood.

'Invigorates Blood' means Dāng Guī gently moves Blood that has become stuck or stagnant. Unlike stronger Blood-breaking herbs, it moves Blood without harming it. This is due to its acrid (pungent) flavor and warm nature, which promote circulation. This action makes it useful for traumatic injuries, abscesses that are slow to heal, and various types of pain caused by poor Blood circulation. A classical teaching notes that Dāng Guī "supplements when paired with tonics, and moves when paired with dispersing agents" (佐之以补则补，佐之以攻则通).

'Regulates menstruation' is the combination of the two actions above applied specifically to the uterus and reproductive system. Because it both nourishes Blood and moves it, Dāng Guī addresses multiple menstrual problems: scanty periods from Blood Deficiency, painful periods from Blood Stasis, irregular cycles, and even absence of periods. This is why it has been called "the sacred herb of gynecology" (女科之圣药).

'Alleviates pain' reflects the principle that pain arises when Blood is either deficient (tissues are malnourished) or stagnant (circulation is blocked). Dāng Guī addresses both mechanisms. It is used for abdominal pain from Blood Deficiency or Cold, joint pain from Wind-Damp obstruction where Blood circulation is poor, and pain from traumatic injury.

'Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels' refers to its ability to relieve constipation caused by Blood Deficiency. When there is not enough Blood to moisten the intestines, the stool becomes dry and hard. Dāng Guī's oily, lubricating nature provides moisture to the intestinal tract. This action applies specifically to constipation in elderly or blood-deficient patients, not to constipation from excess Heat.