Angelica sinensis Seeds | Dang Gui
LATIN NAME: Angelica sinensis
COMMON NAME: Dang Gui, Chinese Angelica
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Dang Gui, Angelica sinensis is a tall, upright, herb in the carrot family, native to mountain meadows and riverbanks of the east Asia, while it has been used in traditions for its roots for a very long time. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Two metres. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Dang gui is chemically dominated by the volatile phthalide ligustilide — responsible for the root’s characteristic aroma and much of its antispasmodic activity in laboratory models — together with ferulic acid, both of which serve as assay markers for the drug. Clinical evidence is more sobering than the traditional reputation: a randomised, double-blind trial in postmenopausal women found dang gui no better than placebo for menopausal symptoms and detected no clear oestrogen-like effect. The root contains furanocoumarins, and photosensitisation, uterine stimulation and potentiation of warfarin have all been reported, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy and alongside anticoagulant therapy.
As part of the carrot family, Angelica sinensis contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Dang gui has a real and distinguished place in research. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Dang Gui earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Dang gui is a tall, herbaceous perennial of mountain meadows, bearing large, divided, bright-green leaves and flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers in late summer. Its white flowers feed bees and other pollinators, and its tall, upright habit gives a fine presence in medicinal garden and wild garden, while its thick, aromatic roots are a traditional material in the East Asian medicine. To raise dang gui, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the light. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Dang Gui is the supreme blood-nourishing herb of Chinese medicine, present in more classical formulas for women’s health than any other; its ferulic acid and ligustilide are studied for circulation and hormonal balance. The root is a staple of Chinese tonic soups.
Growing from Seed
Dang Gui is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Dang Gui repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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