Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) is also known by the common name Chinese Angelica Root, Tang-Kuei and Dong Quai Root. The herb is the dry root of the perennial herbaceous plant Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, an herb in the family Apiaceae. The medicinal roots are dug at the end of autumn, rid of the fibrous roots and dirt, then slightly dried and tied into small bundles, placed on a shelf and smoke-dried, and cut into slices. The roots can also be stir-fried. In TCM, the herb is sweet, pungent and bitter in flavor, and warm in medicinal properties; it belongs to the category of herbs that Tonify the Blood. It is considered the supreme woman’s herb and is long honored as “female ginseng” or “gynecological panacea” because it regulates Blood and nourishes the reproductive organs.
Radix Angelicae Sinensis enriches Blood and regulates the menstrual function, invigorates blood circulation, disperses cold and stops pain due to blood stasis, detoxifies blood, regulates blood and nourishes the reproductive organs, stops spasms, moistens intestines, unblocks the bowels and relieves constipation, reduces swelling, expels pus, generates flesh and alleviates pain, stops cough and treats dyspnea.
The herb treats neck and shoulder pains, pain in rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal pain, postoperative pain, injuries from falls, fractures, contusions and strains, anemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fibroids, endometriosis; menstrual disorders including irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea; dehydration, lumbago, abnormal menstruation, menopausal symptoms (including hot flushes), palpitations, hypertonia and nervous disorders; wheezing and dyspnea caused by bronchospasm; scopolamine and cycloheximide-induced amnesia, acetomiophen-induced liver damage, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, sores and abscess (internally and topically), constipation, dull and sallow complexion, brittle nails, and dry hair.
Radix angelicae sinensis is an immunostimulant, and it has hepatoprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti- hypoxia, and anticancer effects. It enhances estrogen and progesterone levels, improves skin complexion, and has a stimulating and relaxing effect on the uterus.
