Journeying through the cold and damp mountains of China, Japan, and Korea, Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) has stood the test of time as an herbal medicine and culinary spice for thousands of years. Its smooth purple stems, adorned with clusters of white flowers and fruit in the summer, captivate nature enthusiasts. However, it is the yellowish-brown root of this perennial plant that holds immense power within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.

Often referred to as "female ginseng," Dang Gui has been traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to support women’s health and promote balance during the menstrual and menopausal phases. Its use extends beyond women’s wellness, as it is also valued for its calming properties and traditional role in supporting overall vitality, including circulatory and energy support, for people of all genders.

Often Called "Female Ginseng"

Revered as "female ginseng," Dang Gui plays a pivotal role in Chinese Medicine for women's health concerns. Widely used in conjunction with herbs like mint and white peony, it exerts a soothing and purifying effect. Chinese farmers have traditionally harvested the root after three years of maturation in the fall, a practice passed down for millennia due to Dang Gui's renowned role in supporting women’s health in traditional Chinese herbal practices.

Traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine, this herb has long supported women’s health and has become a trusted ally for those seeking balance and emotional well-being throughout various life stages.

For Men, Too: Emotional Balance for Mental Calmness

Despite its association with women's health, Dang Gui offers benefits that extend beyond gender distinctions. With its calming properties, it can pacify anyone's system, to help the body adapt to everyday stress and promote a sense of calm. In one animal study, researchers in Korea found that Dang Gui extract helped prevent bone loss in rats. While preliminary, these findings suggest potential areas of interest for future research into bone health.

While Western science acknowledges the herb's merits, further research is required to unveil the full extent of its therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, Dang Gui continues to be widely popular in China and is a key ingredient in supplements, including Emotional Balance by Dao Labs.

The root of Dang Gui remains one of the most popular herbs in China and is often used in supplements (an important ingredient in Emotional Balance by Dao Labs) available in Europe and North America.

Xiao Yao Powder & Tablets

A reason Dang Gui is still so popular in China is because it is a key ingredient in Xiao Yao, a powder that is ingested to to help the body adapt to stress and support emotional balance. The term "Xiao Yao" has a special place in Chinese culture, according to Dr. Eric Karchmer, DAO Lab's Chief Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

“Known as Xiao Yao Powder in Chinese, this formula has a uniquely evocative name that means to wander freely, to ramble, to move unimpeded and unfettered,” Karchmer says.

“This same phrase, Xiao Yao, is also the title of the first chapter of the famous Daoist text, Zhuang Zi, and it captures beautifully the philosophy of this great Daoist thinker of the same name. Zhuang Zi stressed above all the importance of being in the flow, of becoming one with the Way,” Karchmer added.  

Finding "Balance" When Balance is Needed Most

Dang Gui is prized within Chinese Medicine because it can be used in several herbal combinations that support the body’s natural resilience to occasional stress and fatigue. for both men and women. The Daoists who wandered the mountains of China near Dang Gui’s natural habitat happily spread the word about the root’s ability to help one find emotional balance, an essential goal of Daoism.

And in today’s always-rushed world, Dang Gui can help us become happy wanderers once again.

Ready To Try The Power Of Dang Gui?

Enjoy the traditional strength of dang gui along with seven other essential Chinese herbs. Explore this time-honored blend of Chinese herbs designed to support emotional wellness and inner balance. You can save 15% by ordering now!

Herbal therapy is an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on the principle that our bodies have self-healing mechanisms that can be activated with the touch of nature, herbal therapy awakens the body’s ability to rejuvenate blocked or depleted resources to restore balance. Strengthening your body and your Qi - your energy - through the use of herbs not only helps support the body’s natural balance and resilience, but when used regularly, helps us maintain a lifestyle of well-being and harmony. 

In "The Herb Series", we provide a bit more information and context around the herbs that comprise the DAO Labs’ products. Chinese herbs are powerful, complex, and at times, confusing. We’ll attempt to break them down for you in these easy-to-read updates, but feel free to contact us for more information.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.