3Dang Gui Wei – Tail of Chinese Angelica Root – Extremitas Radicis Angelicae Sinensis

Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Tail) is a warm, sweet, and acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that focuses on invigorating blood circulation, dispersing stasis, and relieving pain. It is the tail portion of the Angelica sinensis root, which is more dispersing in nature than the head or body of the root. While whole Dang Gui nourishes and moves the blood, Dang Gui Wei is primarily used for conditions where blood stasis is the main problem, especially in gynecology and post-traumatic injuries. Its strong blood-moving qualities make it valuable for menstrual pain, irregular cycles, abdominal masses, and injuries with swelling and pain.

Functions & Benefits

Invigorates Blood and Disperses Stasis
Promotes healthy circulation to relieve pain from stagnation.

Regulates Menstruation and Relieves Pain
Used for dysmenorrhea, irregular cycles, and clotted menstrual flow.

Reduces Swelling from Trauma
Helps resolve swelling, bruising, and pain from injury.

Breaks Down Abdominal Masses
Used in formulas for fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic masses linked to blood stasis.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Women with painful or irregular periods caused by stasis.
✔ Individuals with abdominal or pelvic masses.
✔ Those with swelling or bruising from injury.
✔ Patients with chronic pain due to poor blood flow.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Dark or with purple spots, indicating blood stasis.
Pulse: Choppy or wiry, reflecting obstructed circulation.

Related TCM Patterns
Blood Stasis in the Lower Jiao – Causes menstrual pain, clots, and irregular cycles.
Post-Traumatic Blood Stasis – Leads to swelling, bruising, and pain.
Chronic Blood Stagnation – Produces fixed, stabbing pain and palpable masses.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Dysmenorrhea – Invigorates blood and eases cramps.
Amenorrhea from Stasis – Helps restore regular menstrual cycles.
Post-Trauma Pain – Promotes circulation and reduces swelling.
Pelvic Masses – Breaks down stagnation contributing to fibroids or endometriosis.

Common Herbal Formulas with Dang Gui Wei
Often combined with Chuan Xiong and Tao Ren for menstrual pain, or with Hong Hua and Ru Xiang for trauma recovery.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy unless under professional supervision.
Not suitable for heavy menstrual bleeding without stasis.
Avoid in individuals with bleeding disorders unless advised by a practitioner.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat circulation-supporting foods like ginger, turmeric, and dark leafy greens.
✔ Avoid cold, raw foods that can worsen stasis.
✔ Stay physically active to promote healthy blood flow.
✔ Manage stress, which can contribute to stagnation.

Conclusion
Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Tail) is a warm, sweet, acrid herb in TCM that focuses on moving blood, relieving pain, and regulating menstruation. It is especially suited for gynecological stasis conditions, trauma recovery, and pain from poor circulation.