Dang Gui – Angelica Sinensis

Dang Gui — Chinese Angelica

Dang gui is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for women. This bittersweet, aromatic root is traditionally used as a tonic, particularly for the female reproductive and liver systems. It has also been used as a mild laxative, sedative and pain reliever, and is valued for its antibacterial activity.

Angelica sinensis Dang gui (Dong Quai) has been grown and used in China for nearly two thousand years. Its aromatic root appears in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, one of the earliest Chinese herbals, compiled during the first centuries CE. It remains one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used in formulas to nourish and move the blood, ease menstrual discomfort, and support women following childbirth.

The Chinese name dang gui is often translated as “should return” or “state of return.” One old folk story tells of a husband who left home for the mountains. While he was away, his wife became ill. He returned carrying the root of this plant, which restored her health—and the herb became associated with returning: the return of the husband, the return of health, and the return of the body to balance. There are several versions of the story, but all carry this lovely theme of restoration.

This is a beautiful Angelica species for the ambitious herbal gardener. Rusty-green, feathery leaves form a low rosette during the first year. In its second or sometimes third year, the plant sends up hollow, purple-tinged stems topped with delicate umbels of small white flowers. These produce copious amounts of seed, allowing the plant to replant itself before the original plant dies.

Dang gui comes from the cool, misty mountain regions of China, where it grows in forest clearings and shrubby slopes. In the garden it forms a lush mound of finely divided leaves during its first year. In its second or sometimes third year, it sends up hollow, purple-tinged stems topped with broad umbels of small white flowers. Once it flowers and produces seed, the plant dies.

The medicinal root is usually harvested in the fall of the first year, before the plant sends up its flower stalk. It is tan, deeply branched, strongly aromatic, and has a distinctive earthy, bittersweet scent.

Dang gui can be finicky about its growing conditions. Native to the cool, high mountain regions of China, it is best suited to places with mild summers and cool nights. It requires rich, fertile soil with steady moisture, but does not want to be waterlogged. Give it morning sun or partial shade, particularly at lower elevations or where summers are warm. Mulch around the plant to keep its roots cool and prevent the soil from drying out.

Latin Name: Angelica sinensis
Hardiness Zone: 5–9
Lifecycle: Monocarpic biennial or short-lived perennial
Growing Tips: Partial shade to morning sun; rich, deep, moist but well-drained soil; protect from summer heat and drought
Harvest: Dig the root in fall before the plant flowers

The historical record and mountain habitat are supported by the Shen Nong materia medica history, Flora of China, and a review of dang gui cultivation and trade