Angelica sinensis seed | Dong Quai, Female Ginseng
LATIN NAME: Angelica sinensis COMMON NAME: Dong Quai, Female Ginseng
Botanical Profile
Dong quai is native to the cool, high-altitude mountains of southwestern China, particularly Gansu province, where it grows as a robust perennial with deeply divided, aromatic compound leaves and the broad white flower umbels typical of the wider Angelica genus. Its thick, aromatic root, harvested after several years of growth, is what has made this species one of the most significant medicinal plants in the traditional Chinese pharmacy.
Science & Conservation
Dong quai root is among the most extensively researched herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, historically associated above all with women’s health and often described as female ginseng, and a substantial body of modern pharmacological research has investigated its coumarin and polysaccharide compounds for a range of properties, though the strength of clinical evidence for specific health claims continues to be actively evaluated by researchers. China’s Min County in Gansu remains the world’s principal production centre for cultivated dong quai, supporting a globally significant agricultural and herbal trade closely studied by agricultural economists as well as pharmacologists.
Landscape & Practical Uses
Dong quai root remains one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine today, particularly in formulas associated with women’s health, and given its significant pharmacological activity, anyone considering its use should consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider rather than self-prescribing. Its cultivation supports a substantial agricultural economy in parts of Gansu province, where growing conditions have proven particularly well suited to producing high-quality root.
Growing From Seed
Fresh seed germinates most reliably, since viability declines quickly once dried, and a period of cold, moist stratification helps if sowing must be delayed. Sow into a loose, humus-rich, moisture-retentive mix in a cool position reflecting this species’ high-altitude origin, and be prepared for a multi-year growing period before the root reaches a size traditionally considered ready for harvest.
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