Du Huo (Angelica pubescens) is the most trusted Traditional Chinese herb for supporting lower back, knee, and joint comfort—especially in cold, damp weather. Discover how this warming root is used in ancient and modern formulas, and why it’s a must-have for mobility support.
QUICK FACTS ON DU HUO
Chinese Name: Dú Huó (独活)
Botanical Name: Angelica pubescens
Part Used: Root
TCM Category: Dispel Wind-Damp
Taste & Temperature: Bitter, Acrid / Warm
Meridians Entered: Kidney, Bladder
Common Forms: Whole root, powder, extract powder
Key Benefits: Supports mobility, dispels wind-damp, warms the channels, aids seasonal transitions
Sourcing: Wildcrafted or sustainably grown, third-party tested
TRUSTED QUALITY PROMISE
Lab-Tested for Purity & Identity
Wildcrafted or Sustainably Cultivated
GMP-Certified Facility
No Fillers, Additives, or Preservatives
Ethically Harvested and Sourced
Restore Lower Body Ease with This Warming, Time-Tested Root
When cold, damp weather settles into your knees, hips, or low back, few herbs work as precisely—or as fast—as Du Huo.
This ancient Chinese herb is prized for its ability to support mobility, dispel dampness, and ease lower body discomfort, especially when stiffness worsens in the cold. With over 1,000 years of use in martial arts recovery formulas and TCM joint health prescriptions, Du Huo remains unmatched in its targeted effect on the Kidney and Bladder meridians—guiding the formula to where you need it most.
"In my practice, Du Huo is irreplaceable when it comes to helping patients with cold-type stagnation in the lower body."
— Dr. M. Zhao, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
HOW DU HUO WORKS IN TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Du Huo is a key herb to treat Bi Syndrome, especially when cold, wind, and dampness invade the joints.
TCM Functions:
Dispels wind-dampness: Especially from the legs, knees, hips, and lower back
Alleviates cold-type discomfort: Ideal for those who feel worse in rainy or cold weather
Guides formulas downward: Acts as a “messenger herb” to direct healing to the lower half of the body
Unblocks channels and invigorates Qi and Blood
Used in famous formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, it supports musculoskeletal movement in both young and aging populations.
HOW TO USE DU HUO
| Form | Dosage | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Root | 3–9g | Decoction, 25–30 minutes with other herbs |
| Powder | 1–2g | Mix in warm water, tea, or capsules |
| Extract (10:1) | 500–1000mg | Use in tea blends or capsules |
DU HUO WIND-DAMP RELIEF TEA
Ingredients:
5g Du Huo
4g Sang Ji Sheng
3g Fang Feng
2g Licorice Root
Instructions: Simmer 25 minutes in 3 cups of water. Drink 1–2 cups daily, especially during cold/damp seasons or after physical strain.
SHOP DU HUO ROOT
âś” Available in Whole Root • Powder • Extract
âś” Packed fresh in the USA
âś” Fast shipping • Bulk sizes available
Order Du Huo at 1st Chinese Herbs »
RESULTS TIMELINE
| Timeframe | Expected Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1–3 Days | Warming sensation, mild ease of stiffness |
| Week 1 | Better mobility in knees and lower back |
| Week 2+ | Enhanced comfort and channel circulation |
HERB COMPARISON TABLE
| Herb | Action | Du Huo Combo Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sang Ji Sheng | Nourishes tendons, benefits bones | Great for aging joints and low back |
| Qiang Huo | Wind-damp in upper body | Use together for full-body support |
| Gui Zhi | Warms channels, moves circulation | Enhances warming, blood-moving effect |
| Fang Feng | Disperses wind, relieves pain | Improves flexibility and qi movement |
CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON
| System | Similar Herb | Comparison to Du Huo |
|---|---|---|
| Ayurveda | Guggulu (Commiphora) | Both move blood, clear cold damp |
| Western | Black Cohosh | Used for joint support and rheumatic tension |
| Tibetan | Spikenard | Warms joints and clears stagnation |
HISTORY & FOLKLORE
Du Huo translates as “Solitary Movement”, symbolizing its ability to unblock stagnation and restore freedom of movement—especially in the lower body.
Used by martial artists, farmers, and elders for over 1,000 years, it was considered a staple herb during seasonal dampness and physical recovery. Historical texts praised it for “guiding pain away from the bones” and “driving wind from the sinews.”
CUSTOMER STORIES
“My low back used to ache every time it rained. I started drinking Du Huo tea in fall and feel more mobile than I have in years.”
— Janelle K., Vermont
“Du Huo is a mainstay in my clinic’s mobility blends—especially for older patients or those with cold-damp stagnation.”
— L.Ac. H. Simons, Seattle
FAQ – ANSWERING REAL CONSUMER QUESTIONS
Q: What kind of discomfort is Du Huo best for?
A: Du Huo is ideal for lower body stiffness, occasional discomfort from cold/damp exposure, and physical overuse where Qi flow is blocked.
Q: Can Du Huo be taken daily?
A: Yes, when part of a formula. Long-term use should be balanced with moistening herbs like Sang Ji Sheng to avoid dryness.
Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: Avoid during pregnancy and with Yin-deficiency or dryness unless advised by a licensed practitioner.
Q: Is this the same as Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui)?
A: No—Du Huo is Angelica pubescens, known for wind-damp and mobility support. Dang Gui nourishes blood.
Du Huo (Angelica pubescens) is a classic Chinese herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support joint comfort, promote lower body mobility, and dispel wind-dampness—especially when symptoms worsen in cold or damp weather. Known for its warming and downward-guiding nature, Du Huo is frequently used in formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang to ease stiffness in the lower back, hips, and knees. Lab-tested, sustainably sourced, and GMP-certified, this herb is available in root, powder, and extract forms to support seasonal wellness and healthy movement.
SCIENCE-BACKED SUPPORT
Modern studies validate several of Du Huo’s traditional functions:
Contains coumarins and volatile oils with warming, circulation-supporting properties
Demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in joint and tissue models
PMID: 28422255
Shows improvement in blood flow and antioxidant markers
PMID: 27080936
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