Pubescent Angelica Root (Duhuo)
Overview
The name "dokhwal," "alone-moving," comes from an observation recorded in the Donguibogam: the plant sends up a single stalk, and it "does not sway in the wind and moves by itself when there is none" — hence its other name, the "lone-swaying herb." The entry doubles as a field guide to distinguishing it from a close relative, qianghuo (羌活): dokhwal is "fine" and white, qianghuo "bold"; one suits wind alone, the other wind with water. It was the herb "nothing else removes" for cold-damp numbness of both feet.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Expels wind and damp
- Relieves joint and bone pain
- Frees numbness
- Disperses cold-damp from the legs
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Aching joints and low back
- Cold, damp, numb feet and legs
- Long-standing wind-type pain
Traditional preparation
Root harvested in the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, or 10th lunar month and sun-dried. Use dokhwal for wind alone; use qianghuo when water is combined with wind.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called "dokhwal" (alone-moving)?
The Donguibogam explains that the plant rises on a single stalk that does not sway in wind and moves on its own when there is none — hence "lone-moving," also called the lone-swaying herb.
What is the difference between dokhwal and qianghuo?
The text says dokhwal is "fine" in qi and white, qianghuo "bold" and purple; use dokhwal for wind alone and qianghuo when water is combined with wind.
Is Korean "dokhwal" the same plant?
Not necessarily — Korean practice also uses Aralia (땅두릅) under the name, so the botanical source can vary by region and period; DonguiHub records the classical identification and flags this ambiguity.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조