Dang-gui is a very commonly used Chinese herb. According to Harvard University botanist, Dr. Shiu Ying Hu, it is also the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines in China itself. It is used more frequently and in larger amounts than ginseng and licorice, often considered the most widely used Chinese herbs. The first account of the use of dang-gui is in the second of three classes of traditional medicines in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, one of the oldest Chinese herbals. Shen Nong tells us that the herb was found in valleys and ravines. It cured coughs caused by “ascending adverse vital energy (qi/ch’i), ” plus chills and fevers from spring time fever with drops of sweat on the skin. It was also noted as a treatment for the vaginal affections of women, discharges, and infertility. The root was decocted in water. Externally, it was considered good for all types of skin diseases, boils, ulcers and wounds.

Angelica sinensis-4349