Chinese Angelica (Dang Gui)

Table of Contents

1. Description
2. Origin
3. Uses
4. Culture
5. Sources
6. Thanks to..
   

Angelica sinensis
Family: Umbelliferae

Description

A. sinensis is an erect perennial with large, bright green, divided leaves, hollow stems and bears umbels of small white flowers. Grows to approximately 2m.

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Origin

China, Japan: A. sinensis is a very important medicinal plant in China and is mainly used to make a tonic for conditions suffered by women. It is cultivated in China and Japan and is now being used in western herbal medicine. Angelica can be confused with Water Hemlock (Oenanthe crocata) which is poisonous.

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Uses of Chinese Angelica and claims

• Culinary: added to soups
• Medicinal: claimed to be a blood tonic, antispasmodic. Young leaves are used as a tea that is said to reduce tension, soothe nervous headache, relieve indigestion and coughs; the aroma of crushed leaves may relieve motion sickness. Tea made from the root is said to relieve colds and bronchhial conditions. Whole plant is claimed to strengthen liver functions; rhizome is thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Industrial: none

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Culture

• Propagation: Seeds are sown in the spring and rhizomes are harvested in the fall. Germination is very difficult, taking up to 4 months. Seeds like to be kept very damp.
• Cultivation: Biennial forming foliage the first year and flowering the second. Removing the flower heads before they seed will promote a longer life (up to 4 years).
• Soil type: Deep moist soil with well-rotted compost to hold moisture.
• Harvest: Leaves fro fresh use from spring onwards; leaves for drying until flowering. Flowers in early summer. Roots should be harvested in the second autumn after flowering and dried..

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Sources

• Chevallier, A. 1996. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Reader's Digest Association.
• McVicar, J. 1994. Jekka's Complete Herb Book. Raincoast Books.
• Reid, D.P. 1986. Chinese Herbal Medicine. Shambhala Publications Inc. Boston, Mass.
• Sturdivant, L., T.Blakely. 1999. Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field & Marketplace. San Juan Naturals.

Thanks to

This demonstration garden was a result of the efforts of Dr. Alan McKeown, Vegetable Scientist, University of Guelph and was made possible with grants from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Tobacco Diversification Program.

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