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Ashitaba is also known as Dong Quai (Don Kwai) and Women’s Ginseng. Herbalists began to prescribe Ashitaba in the west to help with women’s health issues, balancing hormones and toning the female organs. It became known as Angelica due to an ancient tradition that names Archangel Michael as the Defender of Women, and links Archangel Gabriel to women’s fertility and reproductive health.

Ashitaba has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is used to promote respiratory and stomach health and is combined with other herbs for their synergistic effects. Externally, it can be used as a gargle, a poultice, a foot treatment or a face wash to discourage acne.

Additionally, gardeners are delighted to learn that this plant is used as a natural fertilizer and insecticide, akin to the uses of peppermint and tea tree oil.

Beyond the various health benefits of Ashitaba, this licorice-flavored powdered root is an excellent addition to nutritional supplements and gives a full-bodied, earthy flavor to breads, cookies, cakes ice cream, yogurts and smoothie mixes. It combines well with root vegetables like carrots, rhubarb and yams, and with sweet pitted fruits such as cherries, apricots, plums and peaches.