Angelica du

High-Protein Diet Slideshow

What is Du Huo?

Du Huo is a Chinese Herb that is utilized to dispel Wind and Dampness. It has been considered helpful and is prescribed to relieve pain especially chronic or acute pain in the lower back, mild headaches and toothache primarily when these symptoms are sensitive to weather. It has demonstrated anti-hypertensive and sedative qualities in animal studies. In-vitro it has been shown to have inhibitory effects on tuberculosis bacilli. Combined with other Chinese medicinal herbs it has been used as a treatment for numbness in the neck, back, and lower extremities; headaches; pain; tooth and b.d. aches.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Du Huo?

It is always good to keep your health care practitioner updated on medications, herbals, supplements or other therapies you may be participating in. They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions: If you are currently taking medications or other treatments. A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Du Huo?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breast-feeding. If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

When is Du Huo usage contraindicated?

If you have been diagnosed with a yin deficiency combined with heat signs (such as fever, thirst, sweats, etc) If you are undergoing solarium or ultra-violet treatments (may be photosensitizing).

How should I take this herb?

Du Huo can be taken as a tea, tincture, capsules, or extract. However the raw, fresh herb is usually recommeded. Part of the plant utilized: root.

What should the dosage be?

Dosages are usually based on the individual, severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. See a Dr. of Chinese Medicine for more information. Generally, 3-9 grms. Note: It is generally thought that the dried herb should be avoided as the oils of the herb are substantially reduced or eliminated in this format. It is believed that the oils are required for some of its medicinal effects. A good quality root should be aromatic, thick, and slightly glistening.

What other medicines may interact with Du Huo?

Unknown

What side effects may I notice from taking Du Huo?

If you experience any uncomfortable side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Photo-allergic reactions

What do I need to watch out for with Du Huo?

As with western medicinal herbs, care should be taken with purchasing. Incorrectly labeled products and/or the presence of contaminants, adulterations, or substitutions have all been reported in conjunction with herbal products. There are reports of Du Huo having been substituted with other varieties of Angelica as well as A. porphyrocaulis. Heraclelum hernsleyanum, H. lantum, Aralia atropurpurea, and A. cordata. There are many species of Angelica but they may not all have the same therapeutic qualities. Care should be taken therefor when purchasing that you attain the herb you specify. The following is a list of a few Angelica species. Name Primary Location Name Primary Location Angelica Archangelia. Syria, Baltic Sea - grows throughout Europe and Asia Angelica Sinensis / Dong Quai, China Angelica Pubescens Maxim. / Duo Hou China Angelica Atropurpurea America Angelica Sylvestris, Europe    

Where can I store this herb?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F) unless otherwise specified. If purchasing a pre-prepared product (capsules, etc) look at the expiration date, throw away the unused portion after the date has expired. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol. It should be noted however that though it can make certain herbs more bioavailable, extraction in alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of others.

Can you tell me a little more about Du Huo?

Angelica Pubescentis Maxim is of the family Apiaceae and is indigenous to China. Du Huo is commonly known for its use to alleviate pain which is effected by cold and located in the lower back, head, or teeth (ie: toothache). The source of it's first reference is thought to be the "Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica" (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) of the late Han period. It is often combined with other herbs in medicinal formulas. In Chinese medicine it is considered bitter, acrid and warm. It usually harvested either in spring at first growth or in the late fall when it starts to wither.

Copyright 1999 RxList