Can Dang Gui be steeped in tea together with Shu Di Huang?

Apr 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
When used together, Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) can enhance each other's effects in nourishing the blood, invigorating the blood, nourishing yin, strengthening the kidneys, regulating menstruation, relieving pain, moistening dryness, and promoting bowel lubrication. This combination is suitable for symptoms such as pallor due to blood deficiency, dizziness, fatigue, irregular menstruation, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, insomnia, and frequent dreams. Although it can be consumed as a tea infusion, considering the nature of the herbs, it is recommended to boil them in water for more than 30 minutes to fully release their active ingredients.

Angelica root can usually be steeped in tea with prepared rehmannia root. However, it should be consumed in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a physician.

Angelica root and prepared rehmannia root are both commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. Angelica root has the effects of nourishing and activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain; prepared rehmannia root benefits the kidneys, nourishes yin, enriches the blood, and promotes body-fluid production. When used together in tea, they may serve as an adjunct in regulating symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, and pallor caused by blood deficiency and kidney deficiency.

Combining Angelica root and prepared rehmannia root can enhance their effects of nourishing blood, enriching yin, strengthening the kidneys, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and moistening dryness to ease constipation. This combination is suitable for symptoms such as sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, dizziness and fatigue, irregular menstruation, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, and insomnia with vivid dreams. Although they can be consumed as tea, considering the nature of the herbs, it is recommended to decoct them in water for more than 30 minutes to fully release their active ingredients. Prolonged or excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent symptoms such as heatiness and indigestion.

It should be noted that individuals with excessive internal heat, dampness accumulation, or weak spleen and stomach should use this combination cautiously. Pregnant women should avoid using it to prevent potential adverse effects on fetal health. During the period of consumption, one should avoid eating raw, cold, spicy, or greasy foods, as these may interfere with the efficacy of the herbs.