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Dahurian Angelica (Angelica dahurica)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Common Names: Dahurian Angelica, Bai Zhi (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Parts Used: Root

Description

Angelica dahurica is a perennial herb native to China, Japan, and parts of Russia. It is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its warming, dispersing, and pain-relieving properties, particularly for headaches, sinus congestion, and skin conditions.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in TCM to dispel wind, dry dampness, and relieve pain.
  • Traditionally employed for sinus congestion, headaches, and toothaches.
  • Applied externally to promote wound healing and treat skin infections.

Constituents

  • Furanocoumarins (imperatorin, oxypeucedanin)
  • Essential oils (angelicin)
  • Polysaccharides
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins

Actions

  • Analgesic (pain-relieving)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Diaphoretic (induces sweating)
  • Decongestant
  • Carminative (relieves gas)

Medicinal Uses

1. Headache and Sinus Relief:
Dahurian angelica is commonly used to treat sinus headaches, congestion, and migraines caused by excess wind and cold in TCM.

2. Skin and Wound Healing:
Applied externally, it helps treat skin infections, sores, and boils due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Pain Relief:
Used to relieve toothaches, muscle pain, and neuralgia.

4. Respiratory Health:
As a warming herb, it supports lung function, clears mucus, and relieves coughs and colds.

5. Digestive Support:
Its carminative effects aid digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction:

  • Simmer 5-10 grams of dried root in water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of tincture taken 2-3 times daily.

Poultice:

  • Powdered root can be mixed with water and applied externally for wounds and skin infections.

Inhalation:

  • A decoction can be inhaled for sinus congestion relief.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
  • Photosensitivity: Contains furanocoumarins that may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Bleeding Disorders: May have mild blood-thinning effects; use with caution in individuals on anticoagulants.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Warming and dispersing, clears wind-cold, reduces dampness, and alleviates pain.

Combinations

  • For Sinus Relief: Combine with xanthium fruit (Xanthium sibiricum) and magnolia flower (Magnolia officinalis).
  • For Skin Healing: Combine with honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
  • For Pain Relief: Combine with Sichuan lovage (Ligusticum chuanxiong) and white peony (Paeonia lactiflora).

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Roots are collected in autumn when fully mature.
  • Drying: Dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried roots in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies highlight Angelica dahurica‘s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, supporting its traditional uses in pain relief and respiratory health.

Dahurian Angelica remains a widely used herb in traditional and modern medicine, particularly for sinus congestion, pain relief, and skin health.