Du Huo-Pubescent angelica root-Angelica pubescens

Du Huo, also known as Angelicae Pubescentis Radix or Pubescent Angelica Root, is a warm, bitter, and acrid herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to dispel wind-dampness, alleviate pain, and treat lower body disorders. It is especially effective for chronic bi syndrome involving the lower back, legs, or knees, and is frequently used in formulas for arthritic pain, sciatica, and joint stiffness worsened by cold or damp weather.

Functions & Benefits

Dispels Wind-Dampness & Alleviates Pain
Du Huo is one of the primary herbs for treating wind-damp bi syndrome, especially in the lower limbs. It is commonly used to relieve joint pain, stiffness, and numbness that are aggravated by cold or damp conditions.

Relieves Lower Back & Leg Pain
This herb has a special affinity for the lower part of the body and is often included in formulas for chronic lower back pain, leg weakness, or pain radiating down the legs (such as in sciatica). It is ideal for older individuals or those with cold-damp obstruction in the lower extremities.

Releases the Exterior in Wind-Cold-Damp Conditions
Du Huo can also be used in exterior conditions such as wind-cold-damp invasion with headache, body aches, and fever. It helps release the surface while targeting the musculoskeletal system.

Treats Chronic Bi Syndrome
Du Huo is particularly effective in chronic conditions, especially those involving cold-dampness lodged in the channels. It helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and warm the meridians.

Indications

Arthritic joint pain and stiffness aggravated by cold or damp weather.
Chronic lower back pain, leg weakness, or radiating pain from the hips or knees.
Numbness or heaviness in the lower limbs due to wind-damp obstruction.
Headache, fever, and body aches in the early stage of wind-cold-damp exterior invasions.
Bi syndrome in the elderly or in patients with Yang Deficiency and cold accumulation.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM

Tongue: Pale with a white, moist or greasy coating, indicating cold-dampness.
Pulse: Slow, tight, or slippery, suggesting cold, dampness, and Qi stagnation in the channels.

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Du Huo

Du Huo treats Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Syndrome, Cold-Damp Obstruction in the lower body, and exterior wind-cold with damp involvement. These patterns involve symptoms such as joint stiffness, cold sensitivity, leg pain, back pain, and heaviness of the limbs.

Precautions & Contraindications

Not suitable for Yin Deficiency with heat signs or dryness.
Avoid in febrile disease with strong heat or during summer heat unless combined appropriately.
Caution in patients with dry constipation or those prone to dryness.
May cause mild sedation or gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Conclusion

Du Huo is a foundational herb for relieving lower body pain and stiffness caused by wind, cold, and dampness. It is especially suited for chronic arthritic conditions and lower back disorders, particularly in older adults or those with cold constitutions. Its ability to both dispel dampness and relieve pain makes it a staple herb in musculoskeletal formulas.