Which herb is repeatedly identified as nourishing blood?

• A. Dang Gui
• B. Gui Zhi
• C. Dan Nan Xing
• D. Bai Shao

Answer: (A)

Nourishing blood is the central idea here, and Dang Gui is the herb most consistently associated with tonifying and replenishing blood in Chinese medicine. It tonifies blood, especially liver blood, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle, making it a go-to remedy for symptoms of blood deficiency such as dizziness, pale complexion, palpitations, and scanty or irregular menses. It also moves blood, which can relieve pain linked to blood stasis that accompanies deficiency. Because this herb is renowned for its blood-nourishing action, it’s repeatedly identified as nourishing blood, which is why it’s the best choice.

Gui Zhi primarily releases exterior wind-cold and guides yang to the channels, not nourishing blood. Dan Nan Xing is used to transform phlegm and calm tremors, not to nourish blood. Bai Shao nourishes blood as well, but its hallmark is preserving yin and soothing liver blood rather than serving as the quintessential blood-nourishing herb, making it less likely to be identified as nourishing blood in this context.