Dang Gui Shao Yao San: A Gentle Remedy for Women’s Health
Hongji Medical- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Dang Gui Shao Yao San, or Angelica and Peony Powder, is a cherished Chinese medicine recipe from the Golden Guide. Known as a “holy medicine for women,” it’s widely used for menstrual pain, pregnancy discomfort, and more.
Modern research shows it also helps with conditions like pelvic inflammation, endometriosis, nerve issues, and high blood pressure.
With a blend of herbs that nourish and balance the body, this formula is a cornerstone of women’s wellness. In this guide, we’ll explore its ingredients, benefits, and how to pair it with a nourishing soup in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
What’s in Dang Gui Shao Yao San?
This formula combines six herbs to support women’s health:
Angelica Root: Nourishes blood, boosts circulation, and eases menstrual pain.
White Peony Root: Calms the liver, nourishes blood, and reduces discomfort.
Chuanxiong (Lovage Root): Promotes blood flow, clears stagnation, and relieves pain.
Poria (Tuckahoe): Drains dampness, strengthens digestion, and calms the mind.
White Atractylodes: Supports the spleen, boosts energy, and reduces bloating.
Water Plantain: Clears excess water, reduces swelling, and eases urinary issues.
Together, these herbs nourish blood, regulate menstruation, reduce fluid buildup, and soothe pain, making them ideal for women with low energy, poor circulation, or digestive weakness.
What Does It Do?
Dang Gui Shao Yao San balances the body by:
Nourishing Blood: Replenishes blood to ease fatigue and paleness.
Regulating Menstruation: Smooths menstrual cycles and reduces pain.
Reducing Swelling: Clears excess water to relieve bloating or leg swelling.
Easing Pain: Soothes abdominal cramps, headaches, and discomfort.
It’s especially helpful for:
Menstrual Pain: Eases lower abdominal cramps before or during periods.
Menstrual Swelling: Reduces leg swelling or dizziness during menstruation.
Dizziness: Relieves lightheadedness from low blood or fluid retention.
Pregnancy Support: Calms fetal distress and prevents abnormal bleeding.
Recurrent Miscarriage: Stabilizes pregnancy for healthier outcomes.
Autoimmune Conditions: Supports conditions like Hashimoto’s, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Postpartum Recovery: Restores energy and reduces swelling after childbirth.
Why Does It Work?
In Chinese medicine, women’s health issues often stem from weak blood, stalled energy (qi), or dampness buildup due to a sluggish liver, spleen, or stomach. This can cause pain, swelling, or irregular periods.
Angelica and peony nourish blood, chuanxiong boosts circulation, and poria, atractylodes, and water plantain clear dampness and support digestion. Together, they restore balance, improve blood flow, and reduce discomfort.
How Is It Different from Si Wu Tang?
Both Dang Gui Shao Yao San and Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) support women’s health, but they differ:
Si Wu Tang: Made of angelica, cooked rehmannia, white peony, and chuanxiong, it focuses on nourishing blood for menstrual issues or pale skin. Its heavy, greasy nature can cause bloating in some people.
Dang Gui Shao Yao San: Replaces rehmannia with poria, atractylodes, and water plantain, making it lighter and better for bloating, swelling, or weak digestion. It’s more versatile for menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum care.
A doctor will choose based on your symptoms, with Dang Gui Shao Yao San favored for fluid retention or digestive issues.
Modern Uses
Beyond traditional uses, Dang Gui Shao Yao San helps with:
Gynecological Issues: Menstrual pain, irregular cycles, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammation.
Pregnancy and Postpartum: Supports healthy pregnancies and speeds postpartum recovery.
Autoimmune Diseases: Eases symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome.
Neurological and Vascular: Helps with nerve issues (neurasthenia) or high blood pressure.
Its ability to balance blood, reduce inflammation, and clear fluid buildup makes it a versatile remedy.
Try It with a Soup: Angelica and Peony Black Chicken Soup
Pair Dang Gui Shao Yao San with this nourishing soup to support menstrual or postpartum recovery.
Ingredients
Angelica root (9g)
Chuanxiong (6g)
White peony root (9g)
White atractylodes (9g)
Poria (9g)
Water plantain (6g)
Ginger (5 slices)
Black-bone chicken (1, about 500g)
Water (3000ml)
Instructions
Rinse the herbs, ginger, and chicken.
Place all ingredients in a clay pot or electric cooker with 3000ml water (water should cover ingredients by 5cm).
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 1 hour.
Serve warm, sipping the soup and eating the meat.
Benefits
This soup nourishes blood (angelica, peony), boosts energy (chicken, atractylodes), and clears dampness (poria, water plantain). It’s perfect for women with delayed or scanty periods, post-menstrual pain, or postpartum weakness.
Other Supportive Tips
To enhance relief:
Apply Heat: Use a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen (Guanyuan or Qihai points) to ease menstrual cramps.
Massage Acupoints: Gently rub the Baliao points (near the tailbone) to reduce pain and improve circulation.
Precautions
Constitution Check: Best for those with low blood, stalled energy, or dampness. Avoid if you have a hot constitution (feeling overheated, dry mouth) or a cold/fever.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Use only under a doctor’s guidance, as some herbs may affect the fetus or infant.
Drug Interactions: Angelica’s blood-thinning effects may interact with anticoagulants, so consult a doctor if on medications.
Not for All: Avoid if you have heavy, greasy digestion issues without dampness or swelling.
Final Thoughts
Dang Gui Shao Yao San is a powerful, time-tested remedy for women’s health, from menstrual pain to pregnancy support and postpartum recovery. With herbs like angelica, peony, and poria, it nourishes blood, eases pain, and clears swelling for a balanced body. Pair it with Angelica and Peony Black Chicken Soup or simple heat therapy for extra relief. Whether you’re managing periods, recovering after childbirth, or addressing chronic conditions, this formula offers gentle, effective support. Always consult a doctor before starting to ensure it’s right for you. Embrace this “holy medicine” and feel your best!
