Angelica sinensis Dang Gui - Dong Quai - Chinese Angelica PFAF Plan...

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Angelica sinensis - (Oliv.)Diels.

Common Name

Dang Gui - Dong Quai - Chinese

Angelica

Family

Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Synonyms

A. polymorpha sinensis.

Known Hazards

Habitats

All members of this genus

contain furocoumarins, which
increase skin sensitivity to
sunlight and may cause
dermatitis[238]. 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 [301]. Caution is needed
for diabetics, acute viral
infections, (e.g. influenza) and
with treatments with
anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin)
[301].

Quer ter um
caso?
Flertar no s
para solteiros
Tornar-se
membro agora
grtis!

http://www.biopix.com/

High ground in cool and damp

areas of western and northwestern China[165]. Forests[266].
E. Asia - China.

Range

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating

Care
http://www.biopix.com/

Summary
Physical Characteristics

15-10-2014 02:40

Angelica sinensis Dang Gui - Dong Quai - Chinese Angelica PFAF Plan...

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http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Angelica+sinensis

Angelica sinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in).

It is hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Aug to
September, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are
hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by
Insects.The plant is self-fertile.

USDA hardiness zone : 6-9

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH:
acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland)
or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant
medicinally.
Alterative; Analgesic; Anticholesterolemic; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Deobstruent; Emollient; Hepatic; Laxative; Sedative; Vasodilator;
Women's complaints.
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[218]. 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[254]. One report says that the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of pernicious
anaemia[176]. The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient, hepatic, laxative, sedative
and peripheral vasodilator[165, 176, 218]. 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[218, 238, 254] and also to ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery[218]. However conflicting information suggests it should not be used during
pregnancy [301] and should not be used if menstrual flow is heavy or during menstration [301]. It is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming
anaemic[254]. 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[176]. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen and protects the liver[176]. Used for menopausal symptoms (hot flushes) [301]. It has an antibacterial action,
inhibiting the growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci[176]. The root is an ingredient of
'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China[254]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora[254].
The root is harvested in the autumn or winter and dried for later use[254, 283]. It has been used to treat pulmonary hypertension in combination with the allopathic
medication nifedipine [301]. Other uses include: constipation (a laxative), trauma injuries, ulcers, rheumatism and malaria [301].

Other Uses
This plant is said to contain vitamin B12[176].

Cultivation details
Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[200]. This species is not fully hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to at
least -5c[238]. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[200].

Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[200]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be
lower. It requires light for germination[200]. 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.

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Expert comment

Author
(Oliv.)Diels.

Botanical References
238266

Links / References
[165]Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
An excellent small herbal.
[176]Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.
An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.

15-10-2014 02:40