Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis)

Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to China, East Asia, and Sichuan Province. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Angelica
Scientific Name	Angelica sinensis
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Angelica
Species	sinensis
Native Range	China, East Asia, Sichuan Province
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Angelica sinensis
Common Name: Chinese Angelica
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Dong Quai, Angelica Root, Dong Chuan Wu
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Angelica

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 40 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of solitary umbellate clusters, flowers white with yellow stamen clusters, actinomorphic symmetry, five ovate petals with a central yellow disc, five sepals, and two stamens per flower.
Stems: Woody, cylindrical, and aromatic, the stems are typically erect, unbranched, and have a rough, longitudinally wrinkled surface with persistent leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a warming tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a calming antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a cooling anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a soothing carminative, for digestive process support.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.