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Du Huo独活

Angelicae Pubescentis Radix · Pubescent Angelica Root

Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness 祛风湿药《神农本草经》

Overview

Acrid, bitter and warm, Du Huo drives wind, cold and damp out of the deep channels and the lower body. It is habitually read against Qiang Huo 羌活: Qiang Huo works the nape, shoulders and upper back, Du Huo the low back, hips, knees and legs. Because it reaches the Shaoyin level it is also the chief herb of Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang 独活寄生汤, where long-standing joint pain sits on top of Liver and Kidney depletion.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Slightly warm

Channels

Kidney · Bladder

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
独活Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dispels wind-damp, relieves bi painChronic aching, stiffness and heaviness in the low back, hips, knees and legs, worse in cold damp weather and better for warmth.
  • Releases the exterior, disperses coldWind-cold-damp exterior patterns with a heavy head, aching limbs and no sweating.
  • Reaches the Shaoyin channelDeep-set headache and toothache traced to the Shaoyin level; the herb that lets Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang treat old bi without abandoning the Liver–Kidney root.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Du Huo

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Chronic low back, hip and knee pain worse in cold damp weather
    - Wind-cold-damp exterior with heavy aching limbs
    - Old joint disease on a background of Liver–Kidney deficiency
    - Shaoyin-level headache and toothache

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

OsteoarthritisLow back painSciaticaRheumatic pain

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid, warm and drying — on its own it is the wrong herb for yin- or blood-deficient patterns with dryness, and for tremor or spasm arising from internal heat stirring wind rather than from external wind. Like other Angelica species it contains furanocoumarins, and photosensitivity has been reported in this family, so patients on long courses with heavy sun exposure are worth warning.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction on record — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.