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Uses

Toxic parts

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[1].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Angelica sinensis.

Material uses

This plant is said to contain vitamin B12[2].
There are no material uses listed for Angelica sinensis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[3]. 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[4]. 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[5][2][3]. 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[3][1][4] and also to ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery[3]. It is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic[4]. 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[4]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora[4].

The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[6]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination[6]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Angelica sinensis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[6].

This species is not fully hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to at least -5°c[1].

Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Angelica sinensis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Angelica sinensis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Angelica sinensis
Genus
Angelica
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.7 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)


    Facts about "Angelica sinensis"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyUmbelliferae +
    Belongs to genusAngelica +
    Has binomial nameAngelica sinensis +
    Has common nameDang Gui +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile + and Insects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone7 +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height1 +
    Has mature width0.7 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAlterative +, Analgesic +, Anticholesterolemic +, Antiinflammatory +, Antispasmodic +, Deobstruent +, Emollient +, Hepatic +, Laxative +, Sedative +, Vasodilator + and Women's complaints +
    Has search nameangelica sinensis + and dang gui +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameAngelica sinensis +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis +, Angelica sinensis + and Angelica sinensis +