Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, has a rich history spanning over two thousand years in Chinese medicine.
Native to China, it also grows in Korea and Japan, thriving in damp, fertile soil at elevations up to 10,000 feet. Above ground, its purple stems reach up to six feet tall, adorned with disc-shaped umbels of tiny white flowers. The mature root of the plant is harvested and dried for use as an herbal supplement.
Its historical significance dates back to the first century AD when it was listed in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, an ancient Chinese book on medicinal plants. Classified as one of the “tonic herbs for blood deficiency,” Dong Quai nourishes the blood and supports healthy circulation. It’s commonly used in combination with other herbs to address irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, anemia, arthritis, and constipation.
Beyond Chinese medicine, Dong Quai has found a place in Ayurveda, Unani-Tibb, and Western herbal remedies.
angelica sinensis
