Angelica acutiloba

Angelica acutiloba or Toki (scientific name: Angelica acutiloba) is a deciduous perennial herb native to Japan, belonging to the Apiaceae family and Angelica genus. The underground stem (root) is also referred to as Toki when used as a medicinal herb. It is also known as Nihon Toki (Japanese Toki). This plant grows naturally in the rocky areas of the mountains in the Chubu region of Honshu and further north. There are two varieties, Yamato Toki (Yamato Toki) and Hokkai Toki (Hokkaido Toki, scientific name: Angelica acutiloba var. sugiyamae), which are cultivated for medicinal purposes in Hokkaido, Nara, Wakayama, and Hyogo Prefectures. The plant has a height of 30-70cm, with well-branched red-purple stems and leaves that emit a celery-like fragrance. The leaves are dark green, glossy, bi- to tri-pinnately compound with serrated edges, and arranged alternately. From June to July, it produces small white 5-petaled flowers in compound umbels, about 10cm in diameter. The petals curve inward. The medicinal part used is the stem, harvested in autumn, with the roots steamed and dried to produce the final product.

The "Toki" used in traditional Chinese medicine contains essential oils such as ligustilide, which have pain-relieving and hormone-balancing effects, making it a primary ingredient in remedies for gynecological issues such as irregular menstruation, menstrual pain, and infertility. Additionally, its blood circulation-improving properties make it effective in warming the body and alleviating anemia when used in baths. The dried roots and mature fruits can be infused in white liquor to improve circulation and warm the body, while the leaves are edible and can be used in tea and bread.

The original Toki, known as Karatoki (Chinese Toki, Angelica sinensis), is native to China, but Japanese Toki has similar medicinal properties.

Three Major Chinese Medicines for Women
The "Three Major Chinese Medicines for Women" include "Toki Shakuyaku-san," "Kami-shoyo-san," and "Keishi-bukuryo-gan."

Common Name: Toki
Scientific Name: Angelica acutiloba
Also Known As: Nihon Toki, Yamato Toki
Classification: Plant Kingdom, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Apiales, Apiaceae, Angelica, Toki species
Other Names: Nihon Toki (Japanese Toki)
Types: Yamato Toki (Yamato Toki), Hokkai Toki (Hokkaido Toki)
Origin: Japan
Habitat: From the Chubu region of Honshu northward
Environment: Rocky areas in mountains
Life Form: Perennial herb
Height: 30-70cm
Whole Plant Fragrance: Celery-like
Stems: Well-branched, red-purple
Leaf Stalks: Red-purple, embracing the stem at the base
Leaves: Dark green, glossy, bi- to tri-pinnately compound with serrated edges, alternate
Flowering Period: June to July
Inflorescence: Compound umbels
Number of Petals: 5, curving inward
Flower Color: White
Flower Diameter: 1-10cm
Production Areas: Hokkaido, Nara, Wakayama, Hyogo
Uses: Medicinal herb, Chinese medicine, herb, foot bath
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Fruit Shape: Oblong

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