- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (China, Japan)
Asia · Herb · № 293
Angelica pubescens
Herb · Asia
Pubescent angelica (du huo)
Angelica pubescens
Traditionally attributed effects: antirheumatic, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not with yin deficiency with heat.
Preparation
Root.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic). Du huo means 'living alone', because according to tradition the plant stands still in the wind. It is the chief herb of Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, a classic prescription for chronic back and knee pain due to cold and damp.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antirheumatic, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Root.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, warm
- Meridians
- kidney, bladder
Attributed effects
Expels wind, cold and dampness and relieves pain in acute and chronic rheumatic pain, especially in the lower back and legs, opens the surface in colds with fever, headache and muscle pain, and relieves headache and toothache from liver and gallbladder.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. Like all angelicas, du huo warms and lets blood and qi flow.
Combinations
- With sang ji sheng, qin jiao and fang feng in du huo ji sheng tang for lower back pain
Caution: Not with yin deficiency with heat.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction