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.
View formula profile →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.
Overview
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.
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.

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.
How It Works
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.

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.
Symptoms Traditionally Associated
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.

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.
Formula Analysis
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.

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.
How This Formula Compares
Clinical Comparison Table
| Compare | Dang Gui Yin Zi | Xiao Feng San | Si Wu Tang | Yu Ping Feng San |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Nourish blood, dispel wind, stop itch | Dispel wind, nourish blood, clear heat, dry damp | Tonify Blood, nourish Liver | Tonify Qi, consolidate the exterior, stop sweating |
| Formula Category | Blood-Tonifying Formulas | Wind-Damp Dispelling Formulas | Blood-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Blood Deficiency | Damp-Heat | Blood Deficiency | Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Dry Skin | Irregular Menstruation, Dizziness & Vertigo, Fatigue & Low Energy, Eye Dryness | Spontaneous 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 Root | Schizonepeta / 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 Root | Prepared Rehmannia Root · Chinese Angelica Root · White Peony Root · Chuanxiong Rhizome | Astragalus Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Saposhnikovia Root |
| Classical Source | Classical TCM formulary | Ming-Qing classical formulary | Xian Shou Li Shang Xu Duan Mi Fang / Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang | Dan 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.
Clinical Modifications
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.

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.
Modern Research
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.

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
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.
Available Products
Where to Get It
HJMEDICAL
Hoi Tin Dang Gui Yin Zi (Angelica Drink) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
$31.89
HJMEDICAL
Hoi Tin Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
$24.93
HJMEDICAL
Nong's Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
$59.81
HJMEDICAL
Hoi Tin Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
$19.37
HJMEDICAL
Nong's Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
$46.97
FAQ
Questions About Dang Gui Yin Zi
Q1: What are the actions of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Q2: Which modern diseases is Dang Gui Yin Zi suited to?
Q3: Is Dang Gui Yin Zi suitable for improving chronic dry, pale, itchy skin?
Q4: Who should not take Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Q5: Why nourish Blood and only gently dispel Wind?
Q6: How does Dang Gui Yin Zi differ from Xiao Feng San or Si Wu Tang?
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
Q8: Is Dang Gui Yin Zi suitable for long-term use?
Q9: Can this formula help both the night-time dry itch and the pale brittle hair or nails of Blood deficiency?
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Dang Gui Yin Zi?
FAQ
General Questions
How do I choose the right formula?
What are concentrated herbal granules?
How should I take these products?
Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?
Are your products authentic?
Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?
Do you ship internationally?
Can I take more than one formula at the same time?
Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Do these products replace medical treatment?
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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