Angelica, Cistanche and Hemp Seed Tea (Dang Gui Rou Cong Rong Huo Ma Ren Tang)

Why people make this tea

Not all constipation has the same root cause. When constipation arises from excess heat — too much spicy food, for instance — cooling or laxative foods often help. But when it comes from deficiency — weakness after surgery, recovering from illness, the postpartum period, or simply advancing age — cold or drastic measures often make things worse, leaving the body feeling more depleted than before. This herbal tea takes a very different approach: it gently nourishes the blood and body fluids, and moistens the intestines from within. The effect is gradual and sustained rather than immediate, and the body is left feeling supported rather than drained.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People with constipation rooted in weakness: postoperative patients, the elderly, those recovering from illness, or women after childbirth (after the first week postpartum)
• Those with blood-deficiency patterns: dry stools, pale complexion, or a tendency toward fatigue
• Women with irregular periods due to blood deficiency
• Not suitable for: people who often stay up very late (this tends toward yin-deficiency with internal heat, which calls for a different approach — try American ginseng, snow fungus, or lily bulb soups instead)
• Women with breast hyperplasia should not use angelica root (dang gui) — substitute with more cistanche and hemp seed or add 4–5 figs instead
• Breastfeeding mothers should use prune juice for gentler relief; after the first postpartum week, this tea may be taken if not breastfeeding

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Angelica root (dang gui, Angelica sinensis): One of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for nourishing blood and regulating circulation; has a well-established moistening effect on the bowels; note caution for those with breast hyperplasia.
• Cistanche (rou cong rong, Cistanche deserticola): A kidney-tonifying herb traditionally considered excellent for moistening the intestines and relieving constipation in those with yang deficiency, elderly weakness, or menopausal patterns.
• Walnut (he tao ren): Warms and tonifies kidney yang; moistens the lungs and intestines; provides healthy fats that support gut motility.
• Hemp seeds (huo ma ren): The key bowel-regulating ingredient; rich in oil and fiber; toasting them first enhances their nutty flavour and makes them more digestible. This is different from cannabis — hemp seeds are a traditional Chinese food and medicinal ingredient with no psychoactive properties.
• Honey (mi tang): Adds sweetness and an additional moistening quality; stir in at the end after removing from heat.

Ingredients (2 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Angelica root (dang gui)	11 g (3 qian)
Cistanche (rou cong rong)	11 g (3 qian)
Walnut kernels	19 g (5 qian)
Hemp seeds (huo ma ren)	19 g (5 qian)	Toast in a dry pan, then crush lightly
Honey	to taste	Stir in at end of cooking
Water	5 bowls (approx. 1.2 L)

Method

1. Toast the hemp seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat until fragrant. Let cool, then crush roughly.
2. Rinse the remaining ingredients.
3. Place all ingredients (except honey) in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour until reduced to 2 bowls.
5. Remove from heat, strain if desired, and stir in honey to taste.
6. Drink in two portions across the day. Aim for 3 doses over consecutive days, then reduce to 2–3 times per week as symptoms improve.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea is also beneficial for elderly people experiencing sore and weak lower back and knees, memory decline, and women going through menopause with kidney yang deficiency patterns. Toasting the hemp seeds before use is important — do not skip this step, as it improves both flavour and efficacy. “White镬 (bai wok) toasted” simply means toasting in a dry pan with no oil.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Kayi456): I have hair loss, cold hands and feet, and tend toward constipation — going only every 3–5 days. A TCM doctor said I am blood deficient. Is this tea right for me? Bro Niu: Yes, this is suitable for you. Your pattern is blood deficiency with insufficient body fluids causing constipation — you need this kind of nourishing, moistening approach. Try taking it for 3 consecutive doses, then 2–3 times a week, until things improve.

• Q (reader, jj): I have breast hyperplasia. Can I take angelica root (dang gui)? Bro Niu: If you have breast hyperplasia, please avoid angelica root. Instead, use cistanche and hemp seed with lean pork — cook in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. Also try eating sweet potato porridge regularly or having 5–6 prunes a day with plenty of water.

• Q (reader, Mandy): I often work through the night. Is this tea suitable for me? Bro Niu: Staying up late tends to create yin-deficiency with internal heat — this tea is not the right fit. Instead, use ingredients like American ginseng, snow fungus, lily bulb, and figs in your soups.

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Published February 7, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.