Last update May 20, 2026

Chinese angelica

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

A herbaceous plant from the apiaceae family, originating in China. Its roots are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, attributing to it numerous properties in relation to women (menstruation, menopause) and respiratory infections, none of which have been clearly scientifically proven (EMA 2013, WHO 2002: p.25-34). Not to be confused with Angelica (Angelica archangelica), or other types of angelica. (Bi 2026, Wang 2024, Ahn 2022)

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

It contains phytochemical components that can modulate the human oestrogen receptor (Powers 2015) and for some experts it should be avoided during breastfeeding (Amir 2011).

It is a widely used plant (Hardy 2000, Zhu 1987), even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Sim 2013)

Given its lack of toxicity at the correct dosage (WHO 2002: p.25-34), moderate use during breastfeeding would have little or no risk. 

Precautions when taking plant preparations (Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995):

  • Make sure they are from a reliable source: Poisonings have occurred from mistaking one plant for another with toxic properties (Cornara 2018, Hsu 1995), poisonings due to heavy metals that the plants extract from the soil, and food poisonings from contamination with bacteria or fungi. (Anderson 2017)
  • Do not take in excess; follow recommendations from expert phytotherapy professionals. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause intoxications or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in exaggerated quantity or time, as they contain phytoestrogens. (Powers 2015, Zava 1998)

See below the information of this related product:

  • Angelica (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Chinese angelica is also known as


Chinese angelica in other languages or writings:

Group

Chinese angelica belongs to this group or family:

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. Fitoterapia.net. 1992 - - Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Consulted on March 12, 2025 Abstract
  2. Bi W, Li J, Tang X, Fang L, Sun H, Ding Y, Li W. Rapid Screening of Angelica sinensis Root Adulteration With Angelica pubescens Root in Raw Materials of Chinese Patent Drugs Using Amplicon Sequencing and Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr. 2026 May;40(5):e70454. Abstract
  3. Wang XR, Zhang JT, He F, Fu R, Jing WG, Guo X, Li M, Cheng XL, Wei F. Identification Analysis of Angelicae sinensis radix and Angelicae pubescentis radix Based on Quantized "Digital Identity" and UHPLC-QTOF-MS(E) Analysis. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2024 Sep 4;35(9):2222-2229. Abstract
  4. Ahn SJ, Kim HJ, Lee A, Min SS, Kim E, Kim S. Discrimination of three Angelica herbs using LC-QTOF/MS combined with multivariate analysis. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2022 Jul;39(7):1195-1205. Abstract
  5. Cornara L, Smeriglio A, Frigerio J, Labra M, Di Gristina E, Denaro M, Mora E, Trombetta D. The problem of misidentification between edible and poisonous wild plants: Reports from the Mediterranean area. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 Sep;119:112-121. Abstract
  6. Anderson PO. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Abstract
  7. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015 Mar 22;3:4. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  8. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Posadzki P, Watson L, Ernst E. Contamination and adulteration of herbal medicinal products (HMPs): an overview of systematic reviews. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Abstract
  10. EMA. Assessment report on Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, radix. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  11. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract
  12. Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicities by herbal medicines with emphasis to traditional Chinese medicine. Curr Drug Metab. 2011 Abstract
  13. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000 Abstract
  15. Kopec K. Herbal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1999 Jun;15(2):157-61. Review. No abstract available. Abstract
  16. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998 Abstract
  17. Hsu CK, Leo P, Shastry D, Meggs W, Weisman R, Hoffman RS. Anticholinergic poisoning associated with herbal tea. Arch Intern Med. 1995 Abstract
  18. Zhu DP. Dong quai. Am J Chin Med. 1987 Abstract

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