Which formula includes Dang Gui as the blood-nourishing assistant?

• A. Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
• B. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• C. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
• D. Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang

Answer: (C)

In this set, the idea is that formulas assign roles to herbs, with a blood-nourishing assistant being the herb that supports the blood-nourishing action of the formula. Dang Gui is the classic herb used to nourish and move blood, often appearing as a blood-nourishing assistant in formulas that address blood deficiency or blood stasis alongside other issues.

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a bi syndrome formula that targets wind-dampness with underlying liver and kidney deficiency, and it intentionally includes Dang Gui to support the blood aspect while the other ingredients address pain and dampness. That placement fits the role of a blood-nourishing assistant precisely, making this the best match.

The other formulas here do not feature Dang Gui serving as the blood-nourishing assistant. For example, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan centers on nourishing yin and kidney deficiency with herbs like Shu Di Huang, and Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan focuses on transforming phlegm and clearing heat, not on nourishing blood with Dang Gui. Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang also follows a different balance of herbs without Dang Gui playing the blood-nourishing assistant role.