Dong Quai is considered the ultimate, woman's herb. Women use it as a general blood tonic, but it is mainly held in high regard by women who take it regularly as a tonic for general all round well being.

Here we will look at the herb and its benefits.

The name Dong Quai covers several different strains of Angelica which include:

Angelica sinensis, Angelica polymorpha and Angelica acutiloba and others

Dong Quai & Ginseng

Dong Quai is also known as Tang Kuei, and is held in high regard in Chinese medicine almost as highly as panax ginseng.

Dong Quai has been used in China for around 2,500 years, where it is believed to have Yin qualities, whilst Panax ginseng has the opposite qualities of Yang.

Dong Quai or angelica, is an aromatic herb that grows in China, Korea, and Japan and is used by herbalists as a treatment for a variety of gynecological treatments from regulating the menstrual cycle, to treating menopausal symptoms.

Dong Quai grows at high altitudes in the cold, mountainous regions of China, Korea and Japan.

Dong Quai is a fragrant, perennial plant which has purplish stems and bears clusters of white flowers and winged fruits in July and August.

The yellowish-brown thick-branched roots of the dong Quai plant have a number of medicinal uses.

It takes three years for the plant to reach maturity, after which time the root is harvested and is made into tablets and powder for sale as a tonic.

Nutritional makeup

Dong quai contains vitamins E, A and B12 and rich in tannins.

Researchers have isolated at least six coumarin derivatives that exert antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects.

The essential oil in dong quai contains Ligustilide, butylphthalide, Ferulic acid and various polysaccharides. These elements can help reduce blood clotting and relax peripheral blood vessels.

Medical testing

Dong quai contains compounds that, in laboratory tests, have demonstrated activities that can help with the following:

Reduction of pain, dilation of blood vessels, and stimulation and relaxation of uterine muscles.

Studies on animals seem to indicate that dong quai may treat abnormal heart rhythm, prevent accumulation of platelets in blood vessels, protect the liver, help with urination, act as a laxative, help promote sleep and relaxation and finally, fight infection.

Claims and Common Uses for Dong Quai are:

1. Increases the effects of ovarian and testicular hormones.

2. Can be used in the treatment of liver disorders.

3. High iron content believed to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

4. Aids in regulating blood sugar levels and lowers blood pressure.

5. Relieves constipation and insomnia.

6. Exhibits anti-tumor, anti-bacterial activity.

7. Used in the treatment of arrhythmia and heartburn.

8. Brings relief from symptoms of PMS, migraine headaches, abdominal pain and arthritis.

9. Believed to help women resume normal menstruation after using birth control pills.

10. Acts as a mild sedative which can help relieve both stress and anxiety.

11.Strengthens internal reproductive organs, helps with endometriosis and internal bleeding or bruising.

12. Relieves menopausal conditions such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes.

Dosage

The powdered root can be used in capsules or tablets. Women normally take 34 grams daily in three separate dosages. Alternatively, 35 ml of tincture are taken three times per day.

Side effects

Dong Quai may cause fair-skinned people to become more sensitive to light. People using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun. Dong Quai is not recommended for pregnant or women who are breast-feeding