Dang Gui - Dong Quai - Chinese Angelica
Angelica sinensis

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Angelica sinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

High ground in cool and damp areas of western and north-western China. Forests.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 5

Dang Gui is a well-known Chinese herb that has been used in the treatment of female ailments for thousands of years. Its reputation is perhaps second only to ginseng (Panax ginseng) and it is particularly noted for its 'blood tonic' effects on women. The root has a sweet pungent aroma that is very distinctive and it is often used in cooking, which is the best way to take it as a blood tonic. One report says that the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of pernicious anaemia. The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient, hepatic, laxative, sedative and peripheral vasodilator. It is commonly used in the treatment of a wide range of women's complaints where it regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves period pain and also to ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. However conflicting information suggests it should not be used during pregnancy and should not be used if menstrual flow is heavy or during menstration . It is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic. The water-soluble and non-volatile elements of the root increase the contraction of the uterus whilst the volatile elements can relax the muscle of the uterus. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen and protects the liver. Used for menopausal symptoms (hot flushes) . It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci. The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora. The root is harvested in the autumn or winter and dried for later use. It has been used to treat pulmonary hypertension in combination with the allopathic medication nifedipine . Other uses include: constipation (a laxative), trauma injuries, ulcers, rheumatism and malaria .

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Anticholesterolemic: Prevents the build up of cholesterol.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Cholera: Used in the treatment of cholera - an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Other

Rating:

This plant is said to contain vitamin B12.

How it is grown

Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun. This species is not fully hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to at least -5°c. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring. The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis. High doses over 500 mg a day may cause abdominal bloating and menstrual timing/flow changes. Unproven information suggests it can effect heart rhythm and lower blood pressure . Caution is needed for diabetics, acute viral infections, (e.g. influenza) and with treatments with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin).

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. polymorpha sinensis.