Angelica sinensis, is also known as Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui) and is primarily known for its uses in treating women's problems including lack of sexual desire, the symptoms of Menopause, cramps and PMS. For this reason it is also commonly known as "female ginseng". It aids in increasing the effects of hormones in both men and women and is widely used as an aphrodisiac.

Medicinal uses
Dang Gui is particularly useful in helping to end hot flashes and menstrual cramps. It is also used as a liver tonic and in treating sciatica and shingles. It is one of the most widely consumed herbs in China, used as frequently as ginseng and licorice. Dang Gui has been used by the Chinese for more than two thousand years, as a strengthener of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidney meridians and as a tonic for the blood. It is traditionally characterized as a warm atmospheric energy that promotes blood circulation.

The root has earned a reputation as the "ultimate herb" for women. It is widely used among Chinese women as a fortifying daily tonic, much as Chinese men rely on ginseng. Women in other parts of the world have also discovered this 5,000 year old tradition that naturally provides balancing and normalizing support for women's unique rhythms, cycles and body systems. It is not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation or for people taking blood thinning agents. Reports indicate that Dang Gui may lower blood pressure in some individuals.

Dang Gui contains compounds that, in laboratory tests, have demonstrated activities that may translate into reduction of pain, dilation of blood vessels and stimulation as well as relaxation of uterine muscles. Animal studies suggest that Dang Gui may treat abnormal heart rhythm, prevent accumulation of platelets in blood vessels (contributing to plaque formation or atherosclerosis), protect the liver, promote urination, act as a mild laxative, promote sleep, fight infection and soothe ulcers. The data consists primarily of laboratory and animal studies with a few preliminary studies in people.

Other studies suggest that Dang Gui offers some value when used in conjunction with other Chinese herbs, particularly black cohosh, to treat PMS. When used in combination with ginseng (Asian ginseng) and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Dang Gui decreased symptoms of chest pain and improved exercise tolerance in a small group of people with heart disease.