For centuries, Angelica Root (當歸, Dang Gui) has been one of the most treasured herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Often associated with nourishing the blood and supporting balance, Angelica Root has traditionally been used in Chinese herbal formulas and nourishing soups, particularly those designed to support women's wellness.
This combination is inspired by traditional Chinese food therapy, where nourishing herbs and foods are simmered together to create a comforting soup that can be enjoyed as part of an everyday wellness routine.
In this article, we'll explore what Angelica Root is, its traditional uses, key wellness benefits, and why it has remained such an important ingredient in Chinese herbal cooking for generations.
What is Angelica Root?
Angelica Root, commonly known as Dang Gui (當歸), is the dried root of Angelica sinensis, a plant native to China and other parts of East Asia.
It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is sometimes referred to as the "female ginseng" because of its long-standing association with women's health and blood nourishment.
Angelica Root has a distinctive aromatic flavour with a slightly sweet, earthy, and herbal taste. When simmered slowly with chicken and other traditional herbs, it contributes depth and warmth to the broth.
Rather than being used alone, Angelica Root is commonly combined with complementary herbs such as Astragalus, Codonopsis, red dates, and goji berries.
This combination of ingredients reflects one of the central principles of Chinese herbal cooking: different ingredients are selected to work together as part of a balanced recipe.
5 Traditional Benefits of Angelica Root
1. Traditionally Used to Nourish the Blood
One of Angelica Root 's most well-known traditional uses is nourishing the blood according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In TCM, "blood" is a broader concept than the blood measured in modern medicine. It is associated with nourishment, circulation, vitality, and the overall health of the body.
Angelica Root has traditionally been included in nourishing soups and herbal formulas intended to support this aspect of wellness.
This is one reason it has become particularly associated with women's wellness and traditional postpartum food culture.
2. Traditionally Used to Support Women's Wellness
Angelica Root has a particularly long history in Chinese herbal traditions surrounding women's health.
It is traditionally used in formulas designed to nourish blood and support balance around the menstrual cycle and other stages of women's lives.
Rather than focusing on a single symptom, TCM traditionally takes a holistic approach - combining herbs, nourishing foods, rest, and lifestyle practices to support the body as a whole.
3. Supports Everyday Vitality
In traditional Chinese food therapy, maintaining adequate Qi and blood is considered important for overall energy and vitality.
Angelica Root is often paired with Qi-supporting herbs such as Astragalus and Codonopsis.
This is exactly the combination found in our Restore soup, creating a nourishing herbal broth designed to be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
4. Traditionally Used to Support Healthy Circulation
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long associated Angelica Root with promoting healthy blood circulation.
It is commonly included in herbal formulas that aim to nourish and move blood throughout the body.
This traditional use is another reason Angelica Root has become such an important ingredient in Chinese food therapy, particularly in recipes intended to restore and replenish the body.
5. A Traditional Ingredient for Restorative Nourishment
Chinese herbal soups aren't necessarily designed to be consumed only when someone is feeling unwell. Many are intended as everyday nourishing foods that support balance over time.
Angelica Root is particularly well suited to this approach. Its rich flavour pairs beautifully with chicken, red dates, goji berries, and other naturally sweet ingredients to create a hearty soup that feels both nourishing and comforting.
Recommended Angelica Root Soup Recipe
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Angelica Root into your routine is with our Restore Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup. The soup is designed as an everyday staple and can be served at the beginning of a meal, following the traditional Chinese practice of enjoying soup before the main dishes.
“Restore - Traditional Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup”
Each large pack serves approximately 4-6 people, making it ideal for sharing with family.
Soup Pack Ingredients:
- Angelica Root
- Astragalus
- Codonopsis
- Dried Yam
- Polygonatum
- Red Dates
- Goji Berries
- Dried Longan
Flavourful Additions:
- Carrot
- Corn
- Blanched Silkie Chicken or Pork
- For a vegan twist, add a handful of raw cashew
Cooking Instructions:
- Rinse all the soup ingredients and place them in a large pot with 2-3 litres of water
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours before serving
- Season lightly with salt and enjoy warm
Check out our Restore Soup Pack today and experience the nourishing benefits of Angelica Root for yourself!