According to a Medieval legend, the medicinal benefits of angelica were revealed to a monk by an angel during a terrible plague–and thus the plant's horticultural name became "angelica"–or "root of the Holy Ghost." Several varieties have been identified, including Angelica norvegical in Scandinavia, Angelica sativa in Holland and France, and Angelica refracta and Angelica japonica in Japan. The botanical is popularly known in the United States as dong quai.

Dong quai contains angelic acid, valeric acid, and a resin called angelicin. The Chinese have used it for many disorders, and herbalists consider it safe and nontoxic. However, its strong flavor can cause gastric acidity (gas) in some people, and as a result, it is usually mixed with other herbs. Dong quai is not recommended for use during menstruation or pregnancy.

According to Murray and Pizzorno, dong quai has been used to relieve osteoporosis, hay fever, asthma, and eczema. They suggest that dong quai selectively inhibits the production of allergic antibodies (IgE) that cause inflammation. Japanese researcher Y. Ozaki, writing in the April 1992 issue of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, reports that Angelica sinesis contains tetremethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA), both of which exert an anti-inflammatory effect during the early and late stages of inflammation.

Kenneth Burns

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