Practical
Plants

Angelica sinensis

Dang Gui

a perennial member of the Angelica genus in the family Umbelliferae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1 m
Spread
0.7 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[5].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[4]. 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[6]. One report says that the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of pernicious anaemia[2]. The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient, hepatic, laxative, sedative and peripheral vasodilator[1][2][4]. 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[4][5][6] and also to ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery[4]. It is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic[6]. 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[2]. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen and protects the liver[2]. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci[2]. The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China[6]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora[6]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[6].

Product or use
Alterative
Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Anticholesterolemic
Product or use
Antiinflammatory
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Deobstruent
Product or use
Emollient
Product or use
Hepatic
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Vasodilator
Product or use
Women's complaints

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This plant is said to contain vitamin B12[2].

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China.
Habitat
High ground in cool and damp areas of western and north-western China[1].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[3]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination[3]. 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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[3]. This species is not fully hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to at least -5°c[5]. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[3].

References

  1. Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.

    ↩1↩2

  2. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

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