Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis is native to the cool, high-altitude mountain regions of East Asia, particularly central and western China.

• Native range: Gansu, Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Hubei provinces of China
• Primary cultivation center: Min County in Gansu Province, which is considered the "hometown of Dang Gui" and produces the highest-quality roots
• Grows wild at elevations of 1,500–3,000 meters (4,900–9,800 ft) in alpine meadows and forest margins
• Has been cultivated in China for approximately 2,000 years; the earliest written records appear in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica), compiled around 200 CE
• Also cultivated in limited quantities in Japan and Korea for their respective traditional medicine systems

Angelica sinensis is a robust, aromatic perennial herb that can grow 0.4–1.0 meters (1.3–3.3 ft) tall.

Root:
• The medicinally valued part is the primary taproot, which is thick, branched, and fleshy
• Mature roots are 15–25 cm long, yellowish-brown externally, and pale yellow to white internally
• Roots develop lateral branches (called "branch roots") that give the dried root a characteristic multi-headed appearance
• Rich in volatile oils, particularly Z-ligustilide (a major bioactive phthalide compound)

Stem:
• Erect, hollow, ridged, and glabrous (smooth)
• Purple-tinged, especially at the base
• Typically 40–100 cm tall

Leaves:
• Basal and lower cauline leaves are 2–3-ternately compound (divided into three, then each division subdivided again)
• Leaflets are ovate to broadly ovate, 3–11 cm long, with serrate (toothed) margins
• Upper leaves are progressively smaller and reduced to sheathing petioles
• Aromatic when crushed, with a scent reminiscent of celery and parsley

Inflorescence & Flowers:
• Compound umbels (characteristic of the Apiaceae family), 10–25 cm in diameter
• Each umbel bears 12–40 rays, with numerous small white to greenish-white flowers
• Individual flowers are ~1.5–3 mm across, with 5 petals and 5 stamens
• Blooms from June to July in its native habitat

Fruit & Seeds:
• Fruit is a schizocarp (typical of Apiaceae), splitting into two mericarps at maturity
• Mericarps are elliptic to oblong, ~5–8 mm long, with prominent lateral wings
• Seeds contain the embryo and endosperm; used for propagation
• Fruits mature from August to September

Angelica sinensis thrives in cool, moist, high-altitude environments with well-drained soils.

• Elevation range: 1,500–3,000 meters above sea level
• Climate: Cool temperate; prefers average annual temperatures of 4–8°C (39–46°F)
• Soil: Deep, loose, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0
• Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun; in cultivation, shading is often provided during the hot summer months to prevent bolting
• Moisture: Requires consistent soil moisture but is intolerant of waterlogging
• Natural habitat: Alpine meadows, forest margins, stream banks, and damp grassy slopes
• The plant is biennial or short-lived perennial in cultivation, typically harvested in the second or third year when root biomass and active compound content peak
• Sensitive to high temperatures; prolonged exposure above 30°C (86°F) can cause premature flowering (bolting), which depletes root reserves and reduces medicinal quality

While Dong Quai is widely used as a traditional medicine, several safety considerations should be noted:

• Contains coumarin derivatives (e.g., angelicin and bergapten), which may have anticoagulant properties — caution is advised for individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin
• Contains furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity (increased skin sensitivity to UV light) with excessive use
• Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects
• May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions; contains phytoestrogenic compounds
• Excessive or prolonged use may cause bloating, diarrhea, or photosensitivity reactions
• The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that Dong Quai should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner, particularly for individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery

Angelica sinensis is cultivated primarily for its medicinal root, and successful growing requires attention to its cool-climate preferences.

Light:
• Partial shade to full sun; in warmer climates, afternoon shade is essential to prevent bolting

Soil:
• Deep, well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter
• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Raised beds or deep containers recommended to accommodate taproot development

Watering:
• Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
• Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Temperature:
• Optimal growing range: 10–20°C (50–68°F)
• Requires a cold vernalization period (exposure to cold temperatures) to trigger proper root development
• Intolerant of prolonged heat above 30°C (86°F)

Propagation:
• Primarily by seed; seeds require cold stratification (2–4 weeks at 2–5°C) to break dormancy
• Seeds are short-lived and should be sown fresh for best germination rates
• Seedlings are transplanted to permanent positions in spring or autumn

Harvesting:
• Roots are typically harvested in the autumn of the second or third year, after the aerial parts have withered
• Harvested roots are washed, dried (traditionally sun-dried or low-temperature oven-dried), and sometimes processed with rice wine (a TCM preparation method called "wine-washing") to enhance blood-circulating properties

Common Problems:
• Premature bolting (flowering) due to heat stress or long-day conditions — reduces root quality
• Root rot from waterlogged soil
• Aphid and slug damage on young foliage

Dong Quai is one of the most important and frequently prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wide range of applications.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
• Classified as a "blood tonic" — its primary TCM functions are to "tonify and invigorate the blood," "regulate menstruation," "moisten the intestines," and "reduce swelling"
• Commonly used in formulas for menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (absent periods), anemia, and postpartum recovery
• Often combined with other herbs such as Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), White Peony (Bai Shao), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), and Astragalus (Huang Qi) in classic formulas like Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction)
• The root is the primary medicinal part, though leaves and seeds are occasionally used in folk medicine

Bioactive Compounds:
• Z-ligustilide (a phthalide) — the most studied active compound, with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and smooth muscle-relaxing properties
• Ferulic acid — an antioxidant with potential cardiovascular protective effects
• Polysaccharides (e.g., angelica polysaccharide) — studied for immunomodulatory activity
• Coumarins (angelicin, bergapten) — with anticoagulant and photosensitizing properties
• Essential oils containing butylidenephthalide and other volatile compounds

Modern Research:
• Studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects
• Research has explored its potential in managing cardiovascular health, neuroprotection, and cancer supportive care
• Clinical evidence remains limited; more rigorous human trials are needed to confirm many traditional claims

Culinary & Other Uses:
• Occasionally used as a flavoring agent in soups and stews in Chinese cuisine
• Root slices are sometimes steeped in hot water to make a medicinal tea
• Used in some traditional alcoholic tinctures and herbal wines