Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome

Flavors/Temps: Acrid, Bitter, Warm, Dry, Ascending, Aromatic

Caution: Overdosing could cause vomiting. It is not recommended for headaches or joint pain caused by Blood Deficiency or interior conditions not caused by External Wind or Damp. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Key Constituents: Coumarin compounds (including Isoimperatorin, Notopterol, Bergaptol, Nodakenetin, Imperatorin, and Marmesin), Phenolic compounds (including Ferulic acid), Sterols, Volatile oils (including Thujene, Pinene, Terpinene, Limonene, Apiol), Fatty acids, Amino acids (including aspartic acid, arginine, leucine, valine, methionine), sugars (including glucose, fructose, sucrose), Phenethyl ferulate

History/Folklore: Notopterygium is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to expel Wind and Damp. Two External Pathogenic Factors are associated with the symptoms of colds and flu, headaches, congestion, joint pain, and aching shoulders. It is best known for treating arthritis, body aches, and joint pain of the upper body, shoulders, and back of the head. It is considered excellent for powerfully eliminating external Dampness. It treats what are called Tai Yang headaches.

Originally thought to be the same plant as angelica, it has long been recognized as a separate species. Both plants are in the family Umberlliferae, and have similar properties. However, Notopterygium is considered stronger, with a stronger flavor than angelica, making it better for treating fevers. Compared to angelica, Notopterygium is a more upward-moving herb with a greater ability to cause sweating, making it an excellent herb for treating spinal diseases and pain in the upper body and the back of the head. Angelica, is a more strongly descending herb, making it better for treating rheumatism of the lower body, and joint pain in the foot, low back, legs, and shin. The two herbs are often paired to enhance their individual and mutual properties.

Notopterygium is often paired with cinnamon to expel Wind and Cold. Comparatively, notopterygium is better for treating Wind Damp in the head, neck, and back, while cinnamon is better for treating Wind Damp in the shoulders, arms, and fingers.

While both Notopterygium and Ledebouriella specialize in expelling Wind, Notopterygium is considered to be the stronger of the two herbs for this function, reaching more deeply into the body and penetrating to the bones and tendons. Notopterygium, Ledebouriella, and Atractylodes often combine to treat Wind Cold exterior syndromes. Notopterygium, Ledebouriella, and turmeric are often combined to treat Wind Cold Damp Bi Syndromes associated with joint and arthritic pain.

Notopterygium is a guide herb to the Governing Vessel and Greater Yang Channels (A.K.A. Taiyang). Taiyang stage disorders impact the Bladder and Small Intestine Channels (A.K.A. Meridians. It is associated with the outer movement of Yang within the Body and is focused on the Environmental or External Pathogen – Cold. Signs will include runny nose or sneezing. Taiyang stage conditions include allergies with runny nose, acute asthma, and certain types of urinary tract infections. The name Taiyang refers to the body’s ability to bring Yang upwards and outwards, to create “expression” (bring out symptoms to relieve them) and boundaries (strengthening outer boundaries preventing the invasion of Cold and unwanted influences. Emotionally, Taiyang is about the expression of fear and joy. It provides the Energy and ability to put creative inspirations into understandable words. The Governing Channel, also known as the Governing Vessel, plays a crucial role in regulating the Body’s Yang Energies influencing consciousness, posture, back and spine health, and overall vitality. Therefore, this Channel is critical for treating issues related to the Central Nervous System, mental clarity, or musculoskeletal system.

Notopterygium has been used as an injectable in China for its analgesic (pain reducing) and antipyretic (fever reducing)) properties.

Notopterygium contains coumarin compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate conditions associated with inflammation such as arthritis and asthma. Coumarin also helps restore lymphatic function and helps to speed up wound healing.

Notopterygium roots and rhizomes are aromatic, cylinder-shaped, or irregular lumps, and are dark brown to reddish brown.