Biserrat angelica root (DU HUO)
Angelica biserrata (Shan et Yuan) Yuan et Shan (Fam. Apiaceae)
Pharmaceutical Name:
Radix Angelicae Biserratae
Botanical Name:
Angelica biserrata (Shan et Yuan) Yuan et Shan (Fam. Apiaceae)
Common Name:
Biserrat angelica root
Part Used:
Dried root
Radix Angelicae Biserratae is produced chiefly in the provinces of Hubei and Sichuan. It is collected in early spring when it begins to sprout or at the end of autumn when it is withered. The hairy rootlets are removed and the root is cleaned, dried and sliced, then used unprepared.
Properties Taste & Meridians:
Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in property, acts on the Liver, Kidney, and Bladder channels.
Functions:
Expels Pathogenic Wind and Dampness to relieve rheumatic conditions and pain, relieves Exterior syndromes by dispelling Pathogenic Cold.
Indications & Combinations:
1. For arthritis due to Wind Dampness, especially arthritis in the lower back and legs, Radix Angelicae Pubescentis is used with other anti-rheumatics such as Radix Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang), Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis (Du Zhong), and Rumulus Taxilli Sutchuenensis (Sang Ji Sheng) in “The Angelicae Biserratae-Taxilli Decoction” (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang).
2. For invasion of Cold on the Shao Yin channel complicated by Pathogenic Dampness in the interior manifesting as headache with precordial pain, aching joints all over the body, and aversion to cold, it is used with Rhizoma Notoperygii (Qiang Huo).
Dosage and administration:
3–10 g, decocted in water for an oral dose.
Precautions:
