Angelica sinensis
| Angelica sinensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Angelica sinensis (common name: dang gui)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[1]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination[1]. 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.
Cultivation: Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[1].
This species is not fully hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to at least -5°c[2].
Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[1].
Range: E. Asia - China.
Habitat: High ground in cool and damp areas of western and north-western China[3].
Medicinal: 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[4]. 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[5]. One report says that the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of pernicious anaemia[6].
The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient, hepatic, laxative, sedative and peripheral vasodilator[3][6][4]. 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[4][2][5] and also to ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery[4]. It is an ideal tonic for women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic[5]. 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[6]. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen and protects the liver[6]. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci[6].
The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China[5]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora[5].
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[5].
Usage: This plant is said to contain vitamin B12[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[2].
Also Known As: A. polymorpha sinensis.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mills, Simon. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.