Du Huo

Angelica pubescens

Evidence: CFamily: Apiaceae

Children:Avoid

TCM wind-damp herb for the LOWER body — partner of Qiang Huo (upper body). For sciatica, low back pain, knee pain, and lower body arthritis. Key herb in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (one of TCMs most important arthritis formulas).

Herb Card

🛡️

Get Personalized Safety Info

Sign in and complete your health profile to see safety warnings personalized to your age, sex, medications, conditions, and allergies for this herb.

Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancyinsufficient data

Breastfeedinginsufficient data

Pediatricnot recommended

Contraindications: Yin deficiency with heat. Blood deficiency.

Interactions: Blood thinners (coumarin content), photosensitizing drugs.

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

Blood thinners (coumarin content), photosensitizing drugs.

Contraindications

Yin deficiency with heat. Blood deficiency.

Check Your Medications Against This Herb

Side Effects

Photosensitivity, GI upset, dizziness.

How to Prepare Du Huo

Decoction (Roots, Bark & Seeds)Easy · 25-45 minutes

Equipment

Pot with lid (non-aluminum), Strainer, Measuring spoon, Stove

Instructions

1Place 1 tablespoon of dried root, bark, or seeds per 12 oz of cold water in a pot.
2Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
3Cover and simmer for 20-40 minutes. Harder roots (like Astragalus) may need up to 45 minutes.
4The liquid should reduce by about one-third.
5Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the herbs to extract all liquid.
6Drink 1-3 cups daily. Can be combined with honey or blended with an infusion.

Tips

• Use a non-aluminum pot — aluminum can react with plant compounds.
• Decoctions are necessary for roots, bark, seeds, and mushrooms — these are too tough for simple steeping.
• You can simmer mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga) for 2+ hours for stronger extraction.

Some roots are very potent — follow specific dosing guidelines for individual herbs. Avoid decocting herbs with volatile oils (peppermint, chamomile) as you will lose the beneficial compounds.

Refrigerate and use within 48-72 hours. Can be gently reheated.

Capsules (Powdered Herb)Moderate · 30-60 minutes per batch

Equipment

Herb grinder or pre-powdered herb, Empty vegetarian capsules (size 00 or 0), Capsule filling machine (optional but recommended), Small bowl, Scale (optional for precision)

Instructions

1If using whole dried herb, grind to a fine powder using a dedicated herb grinder.
2Pour the powdered herb into a small bowl or capsule filling tray.
3Separate the capsule halves. Fill the larger half with powder, tapping to pack gently.
4Press the smaller half onto the larger half to seal.
5A size 00 capsule holds approximately 500-700mg of powdered herb.
6Standard dosing varies by herb — typically 1-3 capsules, 2-3 times daily with food.

Personalized Guidance

Find herbs tailored to your needs

Our Herbal Support Finder matches you with herbs based on your wellness goals, health profile, and medications.

Try the Finder

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

Back to Herb Library