Korean Angelica Root
당귀 (當歸) · Angelica gigas Nakai
Blood tonic
Warm
Sweet, pungent
Liver, Heart, Spleen
NatureWarm
TasteSweet, pungent
MeridiansLiver, Heart, Spleen
Part usedRoot
FamilyApiaceae
CategoryBlood tonic
Overview
Danggwi is the foremost blood tonic of Korean tradition, central to formulas such as Samul-tang. Its name is often read as 'should return', evoking the restoration of what the body has lost. Korean Angelica gigas is botanically distinct from the Chinese Angelica sinensis, a point this platform documents carefully.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性溫, 味甘辛, 無毒. 治一切風, 一切血, 一切勞, 破惡血, 養新血.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste sweet and pungent, and it is non-toxic. It treats all wind, all blood, and all taxation disorders, breaks up stagnant blood, and nourishes new blood.
Traditional functions
- Tonifies and invigorates the blood
- Regulates menstruation
- Moistens the intestines
- Relieves pain from blood stasis
Traditional applications
- Blood-deficiency patterns (pallor, dizziness)
- Menstrual irregularity
- Constipation from dryness
- Post-illness weakness
Traditional preparation
Decoction 6–12g; a core ingredient of Samul-tang (Four-Substance Decoction).
Cautions
Caution: Traditionally used cautiously with loose stools or during heavy bleeding; discuss use in pregnancy and with anticoagulants with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is Korean danggwi the same as Chinese dang gui?
No. Korean danggwi is Angelica gigas, while Chinese dang gui is Angelica sinensis. They are related but distinct species with different chemical profiles.
Why is danggwi called a women's herb?
Its traditional prominence in blood-tonifying and menstruation-regulating formulas such as Samul-tang earned it that reputation, though classical use is not limited to women.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.