Chinese Angelica Root 50 g – Angelica sinensis

Chinese angelica root (Angelica sinensis), also known as Dang Gui or Dong Quai, is an aromatic root from China. It holds an important place in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and is now also offered as a botanical incense material. The dried root has a characteristic warm, spicy and earthy fragrance.

Angelica sinensis belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to northern and central China. It should not be confused with European angelica (Angelica archangelica) or Angelica dahurica, which is also used in Chinese herbal medicine. Although these plants belong to the same genus, they have different histories and traditional uses.

Dang Gui in Chinese herbal medicine

Under its Chinese name Dang Gui (当归, dāngguī), Angelica sinensis has a long history in Chinese materia medica. Throughout history, its significance has been particularly associated with women’s health. In the 16th century, Li Shizhen also described the plant in his famous Bencao Gangmu, the “Compendium of Materia Medica”.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Dang Gui is used, among other things, in preparations associated with menstrual complaints and women’s health. Traditional concepts such as “nourishing the blood” or “moving the blood” belong to the theoretical system of Chinese medicine and should not be equated with modern medical claims. These traditional uses are mentioned here solely to provide historical and cultural context for the plant and do not relate to its use as an incense material.

Fragrance and use for incense burning

The dried root has an aromatic, warm and slightly sweet-spicy fragrance with earthy root notes. This fragrance profile describes the dried root itself; its olfactory character may change when burned as incense.

Angelica sinensis is now also used as an incense plant. A small amount of the cut root pieces can be placed on suitable incense charcoal and used either on their own or together with other botanical incense materials. A heat-resistant incense vessel and good ventilation are recommended.

Not to be confused with European angelica

Chinese angelica root differs from Angelica archangelica particularly in its cultural history. European traditions associating angelica with angels, protection against evil spirits, witchcraft or harmful influences belong to the European species and should not be transferred to Angelica sinensis. There is insufficient evidence of a comparable traditional use of Dang Gui for spiritual purification or for driving away negative influences.

• Botanical name: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
• Chinese name: Dang Gui (当归, dāngguī)
• Other name: Dong Quai
• Family: Apiaceae
• Plant part used: root
• Origin: China
• Form: cut, dried root
• Use: for incense burning, on its own or in incense blends
• Net weight: 50 g