Dong Quai

(Dang gui; Chinese angelica) This is the most important herb in China, used more often and in larger quantities than even ginseng or licorice. The thick root lowers blood pressure, strengthens the heart, increases coronary flow, moderates arythmia and improves circulation. It is strongly antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and it is used widely to regulate menstruation, to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, shingles and to relieve the pain of rheumatism. No herb has so many documented medicinal uses! Bittersweet, aromatic relative of the European angelica (A. archangelica) reaching 1m/3ft high.