Ingredient Name: Chinese Angelica Root

Chinese Name: 當歸 (dāng guī)

• Also known as Dong Quai, Tang-Kuei or “female ginseng”, the chinese angelica root is a very popular herb used in chinese medicine and is highly revered, second only to ginseng root
• The herb, which is indigenous to China, is typically used to treat gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia and high blood pressure
• Women who suffer menstrual ailments or menopause are often given chinese angelica root to relieve symptoms
• The root is also considered an aphrodisiac
• The taste is sweet, warm, pungent and slightly bitter

How do I prepare it?

• Soak in water for several minutes and rinse before using

Where can I buy this?

• Chinese angelica root can be purchased at all Chinese dried herb shops
• In the above photo, the angelica roots are shown as whole roots.  It is also possible to buy sliced angelica root for use in soups

What is the cost?

• 1 pound of dried angelica root costs approximately $15 CAD

Any benefits?

• The Angelica Root is used to nourish the blood (blood tonic) and is believed to help invigorate blood circulation.
• It can strenghten the liver, heart, and spleen and is also a uterine tonic, effective against menstrual disorders.
• It is widely used in confinement soups and recipes to treat postpartum women
• The root is also used to treat common colds as an expectorant
• Chinese angelica root is one of the few good non-animal sources of Vitamin B12

Any precautions?

• Pregnant women should not use angelica root
• Consuming large doses may lead to sensitivity to sunlight

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_sinensis
• http://www.herbco.com/p-1280-angelica-root-cs.aspx
• http://www.lucsherb.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=209

Sliced Angelica Root