In Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which herb is described as nourishing/invigorating the blood?

• A. Dang Gui
• B. Chuan Xiong
• C. Huang Qi
• D. Bai Zhu

Answer: (A)

Nourishing and invigorating the blood is essential when a Bi syndrome is seen with underlying blood deficiency. In Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, the herb that provides this blood-nourishing action is Dang Gui. Angelica sinensis tonifies blood, nourishes the liver blood, and helps move and regulate blood as needed to support tissue repair and reduce pain from deficiency. This makes Dang Gui the key herb for addressing the blood aspect in the formula, allowing the other ingredients to focus on alleviating wind-dampness and strengthening the body's overall support (qi, spleen, and joints). The other components contribute by moving blood, tonifying qi, or strengthening the Spleen, but they do not offer the same direct blood-nourishing effect as Dang Gui.