Blood-Tonifying Formulas

當歸飲子 · Dāng Guī Yǐn Zǐ

Dang Gui Yin Zi

A classical formula for chronic itch from blood deficiency generating wind, with dry skin.

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Last reviewed August 2026
Formula CategoryBlood-Tonifying Formulas
Primary PatternBlood Deficiency
Primary FunctionNourish blood, dispel wind, stop itch
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleNourish blood to extinguish wind and stop chronic itch
Main HerbsChinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Raw Rehmannia Root · Tribulus Fruit · Saposhnikovia Root · Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip · Fleeceflower Root · Astragalus Root · Licorice Root
Classical SourceClassical TCM formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for chronic dry itch from blood deficiency generating wind, rather than active wind-heat rash, pure blood deficiency without itch, or Wei-Qi deficiency.

Traditionally selected for chronic dry itch from blood deficiency generating wind, rather than active wind-heat rash, pure blood deficiency without itch, or Wei-Qi deficiency.

What Is Dang Gui Yin Zi?

1. Ancient Classics Inheritance

Dang Gui Yin Zi (当归饮子), or Angelica Drink, is a classical Song-dynasty formula from Yan Yonghe’s Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living). It belongs to the category of formulas that nourish Blood, dispel Wind, and stop itching.

This formula addresses chronic itchy skin disorders caused by Blood deficiency generating Wind, a pattern in which the skin is undernourished and Wind lodges in the Blood. Typical signs include dry, itchy rashes or eczema that worsen at night, pale or dull skin, possible dry hair and nails, a pale tongue, and a thin pulse.

Combining Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Sheng Di, and Chuan Xiong (a Si Wu Tang core) to nourish and gently invigorate Blood, He Shou Wu to further replenish Blood and Essence and moisten the skin, Huang Qi to tonify Qi and secure the exterior, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, and Bai Ji Li to disperse Wind and stop itching, and Gan Cao to harmonize, Dang Gui Yin Zi nourishes the Blood so that Wind has nowhere to attach, making it especially suited to chronic dry itch rather than acute Damp-Heat eruptions.

Dang Gui Yin Zi

2. Common Skin Conditions

  • Chronic Hives: For patients with chronic urticaria (hives) who also show signs of blood deficiency like a pale complexion and dizziness, Dang Gui Yin Zi helps reduce the frequency of flare-ups by nourishing the blood and clearing the wind.
  • Aging Skin: It is highly effective for senile pruritus (intense itching in the elderly). As people age, their natural blood and moisture levels decline. This formula replenishes that lost hydration to improve quality of life.
  • Dry Skin Syndromes: It is also a standard choice for neurodermatitis and general severe dry skin conditions that fit the "blood deficiency and wind-dryness" pattern.

3. Internal Medicine Applications

  • Systemic Itching: Beyond the surface of the skin, the formula is used in internal medicine for conditions like itching purpura, helping to fade blemishes and stop the itch by regulating the body's internal blood flow.
  • General Imbalances: If a patient has internal symptoms of blood deficiency and wind-dryness—such as dizziness, general restlessness, insomnia, and dry skin—practitioners may use this formula to restore systemic balance.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

4. Pediatric Uses

  • Gentle Care for Kids: Children have developing bodies and can sometimes lack sufficient qi and blood, leading to dry, itchy skin.
  • Symptom Relief: If a child has itchy skin combined with a sallow complexion or poor appetite, Dang Gui Yin Zi is often used. Because its ingredients are relatively mild and harmonized, it safely fits a child's constitution to soothe their skin from the inside out.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Chief Herb: Dang Gui (Angelica Root)

  • Core Role: Dang Gui is the lead ingredient (Chief) in the Dang Gui Yin Zi formula.
  • Actions: It is well-known for its ability to nourish and invigorate the blood, regulate menstruation, and moisten the intestines.
  • Skin Benefits: When the body lacks sufficient blood, the skin loses its natural nourishment, leading to dryness and intense itching. Dang Gui tackles this at the root by rebuilding blood supply and improving local circulation, helping the skin return to a hydrated, healthy state.

2. Deputy Herbs: Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

  • Chuan Xiong: Often called the "qi herb within the blood," it powerfully promotes blood circulation and moves qi (vital energy). It assists Dang Gui by ensuring that fresh blood is actively pushed out to the skin and limbs, clearing up blockages that cause rashes and irritation.
  • Bai Shao: This herb works to nourish the blood and retain yin (cooling moisture). It pairs perfectly with Dang Gui to enhance overall blood production. It also gently regulates the liver, ensuring a smooth, steady flow of energy and blood to alleviate chronic skin issues.

3. Assistant Herbs: Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Bai Ji Li (Tribulus), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta)

  • Sheng Di Huang: A cooling herb that clears heat and generates bodily fluids. It prevents the body from overheating due to blood deficiency and acts as a deep moisturizer for dry skin.
  • Bai Ji Li: Helps to calm the liver and expel wind. In TCM, "wind" often manifests as sudden, moving itching. This herb specifically targets and stops that itchy sensation.
  • Fang Feng & Jing Jie: Both are classic herbs for expelling wind from the body's surface. They work together to vent rashes and provide immediate relief from surface-level itching caused by external environmental triggers.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

4. Envoy Herb: Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

  • Core Role: Gan Cao acts as the harmonizer of the formula.
  • Actions: It gently tonifies the spleen and boosts digestion, ensuring that the body can properly absorb all the other herbs. Furthermore, it blends the diverse properties of the other ingredients together, preventing them from clashing and keeping the formula balanced.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis Analysis

  • The Root Cause: This formula is designed for a condition known in TCM as "blood deficiency generating wind-dryness."
  • How it Works: Blood and moisture keep the skin healthy. When blood is deficient, the skin becomes undernourished, dry, and rough. In TCM theory, extreme dryness generates "internal wind," which translates to intense, moving itching and rashes. Additionally, if the liver lacks blood, it cannot properly regulate circulation, making the dryness and itching even worse.

2. Efficacy

  • Based on the root cause, Dang Gui Yin Zi works to nourish the blood, expel wind, moisten dryness, and stop itching.
  • It hydrates the body from the inside out using herbs like Dang Gui and Bai Shao, while simultaneously clearing the irritating "wind" from the skin using herbs like Fang Feng and Jing Jie.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

3. Indications

  • Target Conditions: It is highly effective for skin problems driven by dry blood and wind, such as general itchy skin (where the skin is dry, shows scratch marks, and worsens at night).
  • Specific Uses: It is frequently used for managing chronic hives (urticaria), senile pruritus (itchy skin in the elderly), and dry skin syndromes.
  • Associated Symptoms: Patients who benefit from this formula usually also show classic signs of blood deficiency, such as a pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, poor sleep, and mild heart palpitations.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Synergy of Nourishing and Moving Blood

  • Balancing Act: In Dang Gui Yin Zi (Angelica Decoction), blood-nourishing herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Root) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root) work hand-in-hand with blood-moving herbs like Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome).
  • Why it works: Dang Gui both nourishes and moves blood, Bai Shao helps retain moisture, and Chuan Xiong actively pushes circulation. Together, they ensure the body builds fresh blood without it stagnating, and promotes circulation without depleting the body's reserves.
  • Clinical Value: If you only nourish the blood for itchy skin, poor circulation might prevent that nutrition from reaching the skin. If you only move the blood, you might drain the body's already low reserves. This formula beautifully balances both needs.

2. Expelling Wind to Relieve Itching

  • Targeting the Itch: Herbs like Bai Ji Li (Tribulus), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) are the formula's primary itch-fighters.
  • How they help: In TCM, "wind" causes sudden, moving itchiness. These herbs specifically target and disperse this wind. By teaming up with the blood-nourishing herbs, they clear the pathways. Fang Feng is great for itching complicated by dampness, while Jing Jie helps vent the skin to provide quick relief.

3. Clearing Heat and Generating Fluids

  • Cooling and Hydrating: Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root) plays a crucial role in balancing the formula. When the body lacks blood, it can easily generate "false heat."
  • Deep Moisture: This herb cools the blood to prevent the condition from worsening and generates bodily fluids to deeply hydrate dry skin. For conditions featuring severe flakiness or dry skin syndromes, this internal hydration is key to improving a patient's comfort.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

4. Harmonizing the Formula

  • The Peacemaker: Gan Cao (Licorice Root) acts as the harmonizer. It ensures all the different herbs work together smoothly for the best therapeutic effect.
  • Softening the Edges: Because wind-expelling herbs can be a bit harsh or scattering, the natural sweetness of Gan Cao gently buffers their effects, making the overall formula much gentler on the body.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Dang Gui Yin ZiXiao Feng SanSi Wu TangYu Ping Feng San
Primary Function Nourish blood, dispel wind, stop itchDispel wind, nourish blood, clear heat, dry dampTonify Blood, nourish LiverTonify Qi, consolidate the exterior, stop sweating
Formula Category Blood-Tonifying FormulasWind-Damp Dispelling FormulasBlood-Tonifying FormulasQi-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Blood DeficiencyDamp-HeatBlood DeficiencyQi Deficiency
Main Conditions Dry SkinIrregular Menstruation, Dizziness & Vertigo, Fatigue & Low Energy, Eye DrynessSpontaneous Sweating, Susceptible to Colds, Fatigue & Low Energy, Allergic Rhinitis
Main Herbs Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome · Raw Rehmannia Root · Tribulus Fruit · Saposhnikovia Root · Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip · Fleeceflower Root · Astragalus Root · Licorice RootSchizonepeta / Japanese Catnip · Saposhnikovia Root · Burdock Seed / Arctium Fruit · Cicada Moulting · Atractylodes Rhizome · Sophora Root · Akebia Stem · Gypsum · Anemarrhena Rhizome · Raw Rehmannia Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Licorice RootPrepared Rehmannia Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong RhizomeAstragalus Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Saposhnikovia Root
Classical Source Classical TCM formularyMing-Qing classical formularyXian Shou Li Shang Xu Duan Mi Fang / Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju FangDan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) / Ji Sheng Fang tradition

How to tell them apart

Dang Gui Yin Zi, Xiao Feng San, Si Wu Tang and Yu Ping Feng San address itch or exterior. Xiao Feng San dispels wind-heat/damp for active rash itch; Si Wu Tang nourishes blood; Yu Ping Feng San tonifies Wei Qi. Dang Gui Yin Zi nourishes blood to extinguish wind for chronic dry itch from blood deficiency.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications for Dang Gui Yin Zi

In practice, a TCM practitioner will carefully adjust the Dang Gui Yin Zi (Angelica Decoction) formula based on a patient's unique presentation. Here are some common modifications:

1. For Severe Blood Deficiency

  • If a patient has obvious signs of blood deficiency—such as a pale, paper-like complexion, severe dizziness, or insomnia—practitioners will increase the doses of Dang Gui (Angelica Root) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root).
  • They often add Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), a powerful herb that deeply nourishes yin and replenishes blood, ensuring the body gets the deep hydration it needs to heal the skin.

2. For Predominant Wind Pathogen (Severe Itching)

  • When "wind" is the main issue, the patient will experience intense, moving itchiness. In this case, the doses of Bai Ji Li (Tribulus), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) are increased.
  • For very stubborn itching, practitioners might add Wu Shao She (Black-Striped Snake). In TCM, animal-derived medicinals are known for their strong ability to unblock meridians and quickly stop spasms and itching.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

3. For Concurrent Damp-Heat

  • If the itchy skin is also accompanied by red rashes, oozing fluids, and a yellow, greasy coating on the tongue, it indicates "damp-heat" in the body.
  • To address this, herbs that clear heat and dry dampness are added, such as Ku Shen (Sophora Root), Di Fu Zi (Kochia Fruit), and Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark). Together, these herbs act like a natural cleanser, flushing out excess moisture and heat to soothe inflamed skin.

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

  • Blood and Circulation: Modern studies show that Dang Gui (Angelica Root) helps promote blood production and improves overall circulation. Compounds like ferulic acid found in the herb help prevent blood cells from clumping, ensuring a smooth flow to nourish dry skin.
  • Immune and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Bai Shao (White Peony Root) has been shown to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which helps calm irritated skin.
  • Vessel Dilation: Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) effectively widens blood vessels, increasing local blood flow to areas of the skin that are struggling to heal.

2. Clinical Efficacy

  • Recent clinical trials have confirmed that Dang Gui Yin Zi is highly effective for conditions like chronic hives (urticaria) and general itchy skin syndromes.
  • Patients consistently report a reduction in itchiness, fewer rash flare-ups, and an overall better quality of life. Furthermore, compared to some conventional treatments, this herbal approach often shows fewer side effects and a lower relapse rate once the body's internal balance is restored.
Dang Gui Yin Zi

3. Formulation Improvements

  • To keep up with modern lifestyles, researchers are continually improving how this formula is delivered.
  • While traditional boiling methods (decoctions) are still used, patients can now take this formula in the form of convenient capsules, tablets, and concentrated granules. Advanced extraction technologies ensure these modern formats maintain the same high quality and therapeutic effects as the traditional tea, making it much easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans.

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions

While taking Danggui Yinzi, avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, such as chili, Sichuan pepper, and fried foods, as they may worsen internal heat and dampness. Alcohol should also be avoided because it may affect drug metabolism, reduce efficacy, or cause adverse reactions.

2. Special Populations and Monitoring

Pregnant women should use Danggui Yinzi cautiously, while breastfeeding women should consult a doctor beforehand. Children require age- and condition-appropriate dosage under medical supervision. Monitor symptoms closely; if itching does not improve or worsens, or if nausea, vomiting, or an aggravated rash occurs, stop taking the formula and seek medical attention.

Questions About Dang Gui Yin Zi

Q1: What are the actions of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Dang Gui Yin Zi has the actions of nourishing Blood, dispelling Wind, and stopping itch. It treats chronic dry, itchy skin in which Blood deficiency has generated Wind, rather than an acute Wind-Heat rash.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Dang Gui Yin Zi suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Blood-deficient Wind in the skin, including chronic dry eczema or atopic dermatitis of this pattern, chronic urticaria that is pale or dry rather than fiercely red, and senile dry itchy skin with a pale tongue.
Q3: Is Dang Gui Yin Zi suitable for improving chronic dry, pale, itchy skin?
For presentations of lingering dry itch, pale or dusky lesions, worse at night, dry skin that scratches easily, a pale tongue, and a thin pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Blood deficiency generating Wind — TCM commonly applies Dang Gui Yin Zi as an adjunct. Acute spreading red swelling or anaphylaxis is an emergency and is not this pattern.
Q4: Who should not take Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Those with acute Wind-Heat or Damp-Heat weeping eczema, Spleen deficiency with much watery exudate, or Blood-Heat reckless bleeding are generally not suitable as a standalone formula. The formula is enriching and Wind-dispersing. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: Why nourish Blood and only gently dispel Wind?
“Blood deficiency generates Wind.” Chronic scratching further consumes Blood, and the skin loses its moisture. Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Chuan Xiong, Sheng Di Huang, and He Shou Wu nourish and gently move Blood so the skin has substance. Jing Jie, Fang Feng, and Bai Ji Li dispel the residual Wind that causes itch. Huang Qi supports Qi so Blood can be generated. Dispelling Wind alone would further dry an already Blood-deficient skin.
Q6: How does Dang Gui Yin Zi differ from Xiao Feng San or Si Wu Tang?
Xiao Feng San more strongly dispels Wind, clears Heat, and drains Dampness for red, itchy, possibly weeping acute rash. Si Wu Tang nourishes Blood but does not specifically treat skin Wind. Dang Gui Yin Zi is chosen for chronic dry Blood-deficient itch after the fiercest Heat-Damp has receded.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
The widely used composition includes Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Chuan Xiong, and Sheng Di Huang to nourish and gently move Blood; He Shou Wu to nourish Blood and benefit the skin and hair; Jing Jie, Fang Feng, and Bai Ji Li to dispel Wind and stop itch; Huang Qi to tonify Qi and support Blood generation; and Gan Cao to harmonize. Some versions add Hei Zhi Ma.
Q8: Is Dang Gui Yin Zi suitable for long-term use?
It may be used for a course of treatment in chronic Blood-deficient dry itch under professional supervision. If Damp-Heat weeping returns, or digestion becomes cloyed, the formula should be modified. It is not a substitute for identifying ongoing allergens or for treating infection of broken skin.
Q9: Can this formula help both the night-time dry itch and the pale brittle hair or nails of Blood deficiency?
Yes. Blood nourishes the skin, hair, and nails. When Blood is insufficient, Wind stirs at night as itch and the hair and nails become dry. Nourishing Blood while gently dispelling Wind can support this whole cluster when Heat-Damp lesions have been excluded.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Using lukewarm rather than hot showers, moisturizing the skin, avoiding alcohol and drying spicy food, keeping nails short, and seeking care for spreading infection or swelling of the face all support correct use. This formula treats a TCM Blood-deficient Wind pattern; it is not a replacement for dermatology care of severe eczema.

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?
TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.
What are concentrated herbal granules?
Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.
How should I take these products?
Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.
Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?
Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.
Are your products authentic?
Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.
Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?
HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.
Can I take more than one formula at the same time?
Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.
Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.
Do these products replace medical treatment?
No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.
Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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Dang Gui Yin Zi: Classic TCM Formula for Blood Deficiency with Wind, Itchy Skin & Dry Rash