What Is The Importance of Du Huo Angelica Root In TCM
Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root) is a traditional Chinese herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat conditions associated with wind-cold-damp, particularly those affecting the joints, muscles, and lower back. This herb is well-known for its ability to alleviate pain, especially in cases of arthritis, rheumatism, and other musculoskeletal issues.
Du Huo Functions in TCM:
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Dispels Wind and Dampness:
Du Huo is used to expel wind and dampness from the body, particularly in the lower half. It’s often employed in treating joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues due to cold and damp weather, which are common causes of pain in TCM. -
Relieves Pain:
The herb is specifically effective for alleviating chronic pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back, legs, and knees. It is often used in formulations aimed at treating wind-damp conditions, such as arthritis or sciatica. -
Releases the Exterior:
Du Huo can also be used to treat exterior wind-cold invasions with symptoms like chills, fever, and headaches. It helps release the pathogen and aids in recovery from colds that accompany damp conditions.
Mechanism of Action For Du Huo Anglica Pubescens Root:
The mechanisms behind Du Huo’s effectiveness can be explained through its active compounds and modern pharmacological studies:
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Coumarins, one of the main active compounds in Du Huo, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds inhibit inflammatory pathways, reducing swelling and inflammation in joints and muscles. This helps alleviate pain and stiffness, making the herb effective in treating conditions like arthritis. -
Analgesic Effects:
Du Huo has demonstrated pain-relieving (analgesic) effects, which is why it is often used for managing chronic pain, particularly in conditions such as rheumatism or lower back pain. The herb blocks pain signals by modulating pain receptors, providing relief without the need for strong pharmaceutical painkillers. -
Improves Circulation:
Du Huo helps increase blood circulation, particularly in areas affected by wind-cold-damp. Improved blood flow reduces stagnation and inflammation in the joints, which is key to its effectiveness in relieving musculoskeletal pain. -
Antioxidant Effects:
The herb contains compounds that have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body. This not only contributes to overall health but also supports tissue repair and recovery, especially in inflammatory conditions like arthritis. -
Immune Modulation:
Some studies suggest that Du Huo may also have immune-modulating effects, helping to balance the immune response, particularly in autoimmune-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. By reducing excessive immune activity, it may help alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammation. -
Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity:
Du Huo has been found to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM, it is often used to treat wind-cold conditions like common colds and flus, where it helps expel pathogens while reducing inflammation.
Clinical Applications:
Du Huo is frequently used in combination with other herbs in formulas aimed at relieving wind-damp-related disorders. For example, it is a key ingredient in the popular TCM formula Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which is used for treating joint pain, back pain, and sciatica.
Product Description
Herbal Information on Angelica Root - Du Huo in Bulk Cut Form
Common Name: Angelica Root
Botanical Name: Angelica Pubescens
Properties of Du Huo in TCM:
- Taste: Pungent, Bitter
- Temperature: Warm
- Meridians: Kidney, Bladder
Other Names: Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, doubleteeth pubescent angelica root
Pin Yin Name: Du Huo
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Cut / Sliced - sizes vary
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with high fever without chill. Du Huo is warm in nature, so it should be used with caution in individuals with heat syndromes or yin deficiency.
Naturally Occurring Components: furanocoumarins, columbianetin, columbianetin acetate, osthol, isoimperatorin, bergapten, xanthotoxin, columbia-nadin, columbianetin-β-D-glcopy-ra-noside, anpubesol angelol D, G, B, γ-aminobutyric acid
Additional Information About Du Huo
- Du Huo disperses Wind Cold Dampness
- Releases the Exterior
- Du Huo in the cut form can be made into a tea by making a decocotion.
- The slices may be rather long at times to place into a reusable teabag. Simply break or cut in half then place in teabag.
- Du Huo is used in several formulas but one of the more known formulas is Solitary Herbmit, also known as Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan.
Angelica Pubescens Root, also known as Du Huo in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herb commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
Here are some ways to use Angelica Dahurica:
- Topical application: Angelica Dahurica can be used topically in the form of a poultice or compress to treat skin infections, boils, and other skin irritations. To make a poultice, mix the powdered herb with water to form a paste, and apply it directly to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and leave it on for several hours.
- Steam inhalation: Angelica Dahurica can also be used to relieve sinusitis and other respiratory conditions. To do a steam inhalation, boil a pot of water and add a handful of dried Angelica Dahurica root. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
- Internal use: Angelica Dahurica can be used internally in the form of a tea or tincture to treat headaches and other pain conditions. To make a tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Angelica Dahurica root to a cup of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day. Alternatively, a tincture can be made by soaking the root in alcohol for several weeks, straining, and taking a few drops under the tongue as needed.
As with all herbal remedies, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Du Huo, particularly if you are taking any medications or have any underlying medical conditions. It is also important to purchase herbs from reputable sources to ensure purity and quality.
What Herbs Combine with Angelica Pubescens Root?
- Angelica Dahurica and Angelica Pubescens Root
- White Peony and Angelica Pubescens Root
- Chinese Lovage Root and Angelica Pubescens Root
- Dong Quai and Angelica Pubescens Root
- Chaste Berry and Angelica Pubescens Root
- Rehmannia and Angelica Pubescens Root
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
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About Plum Flower Quality Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References
https://www.americandragon.com/Herb%20Formulas%20copy/DuHuoJiShengTang.html
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2058739220942627
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136681/
