Angelica sinensis - Dang Gui

Family:	Umbelliferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Width:	0.7
Synonyms:	A. polymorpha sinensis.
Range:	E. Asia - China.

Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m and a width of 0.7m . It has a hardness rating of 7and is vunerable to frost.
Dang Gui will flower in February to March. the seeds ripen from March to April
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Dang Gui will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Dang Gui prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Dang Gui can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

High ground in cool and damp areas of western and northwestern China[165].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

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 -5°c[238]. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 5/5
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[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]. 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]. 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 and dried for later use[254].

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[238].

Other Uses

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

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Bown. D.
Author: Bown. D.
Rating:
Publisher : A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
Date of Publication : 1995

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