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Dong Quai - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Chinese angelica, Dang gui,Tang kuei , Angelica polymorpha, Angelica sinensis.
Herb Description
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is an aromatic plant that grows at high altitudes in the cold, damp, mountain areas of China, Korea and Japan. Dong Quai is a member the celery family of plants. Dong Quai has a smooth, glabrous, purplish stem, with light linear striations. It grows 0.5 to 1 m high.The herb produces white blossoms with a green hue that flowers in between May to August.The root is used medicinally, described by many herbalists as resembling carved ivory. The herb is generally grows best in moist mountain gullies, meadows, along river banks and in coastal areas.
Don quai honor second only to Ginseng and is excellent as an all purpose woman's tonic herb. In china it has been used for centuries to cure fatigue , mild anemia , high blood pressure , irregular menstrual cycle and easing menstrual pain and cramping caused by hormonal changes. The plant's consist of phytochemicals such as coumarins , phytosterols , polysaccharides , ferulate , and flavonoids . It has anti-inflammatory , analgesic , antispasmodic and sedative actions.
Properties
- Emmenagogue.
- Sedative.
- Analgesic.
- Blood tonic.
- Diuretic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antispasmodic.
Uses and Benefits
Scientific research shows that dong quai contains compounds that may translate into dilation of blood vessels, reduction of pain, and stimulation as well as relaxation of uterine muscles. As a blood purifier , dong quai has also been used to promote blood circulation and nourish the blood in both sexes. It is rich in iron content and may act to prevent iron deficiency and anemia.
As a mild sedative effect dong quai can relieve stress and calms the nerves. It has also be used to stimulate the uterus during childbirth, cure insomnia, abate constipation and for migraine headaches. Some animal studies suggest that dong quai may cure irregular heart beet, prevent accumulation of platelets in blood vessels , protect the liver,boost urination, act as a mild laxative, promote sleep, and fight infection.
Dong quai is often prescribed as a treatment to stimulates and relax uterine muscles , for menstrual cramps , PMS , and other problems related to irregular menstruation, painful menstruation , amenorrhea & dysmenorrhea as well as hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms . It is also generally used to cure traumatic injuries, abdominal pain , blocked bowels, sores and abscesses.
Dong Quai may also be used to strengthen metabolism, ebb cholesterol, help in digestion, and relieve pain caused by arthritis. Dong Quai have good amount of vitamins E and B12. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and vitamin B12 aides in the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.It has a high iron content and may useful in preventing iron deficiency and anemia. It may be beneficial for weight loss.
Internally Dong Quai is mostly used for stimulating gastric juices ,flatulence ,stomach cramps ,antispasmodic properties ,cholagogue effect ,reducing menopausal symptoms ,premenstrual syndrome ,allergies ,reducing muscle spasms .Externally it is used as a poultices for neuralgia , rheumatic pain ,pleurisy .
Side Effects
Particularly at excess doses, Dong quai may heighten an individual's sensitivity to sunlight and subsequently produce skin inflammation and rashes. People using dong quai should reduce their exposure to sunlight or use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing if sun exposure is unavoidable.
It is not recommended for those individuals who have bleeding disorders, excessive menstrual bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or during infections such as colds and flu.
Dong quai may have some estrogen-like compounds and should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with breast cancer. Call to health practitioner if individual feel bleeding, unusual bruising, diarrhea, or fever.
People should not use Dong quai in the same time with blood thinning medications or anticoagulants drugs such as warfarin .
Dosage
- Raw herb :
1 to 5 capsules. Use three times in day.
- Dried Root:
Take one heaped teaspoon in a cup of water, gently simmered for 20 minutes, Use half cup three times in a day.
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Fluid Extract:
10 to 20 drops. Use three times in a day.
Tincture :
30 to 60 drops . Use three times in day.
Drug Interactions
Scientific studies shows that Dong quai may have some compounds like estrogen, progesterone's, oral contraceptives, tamoxifen or raloxifene, health practitioners advise against using them together due to the possibility of adverse effects.
Chemicals in Dong Quai may produced increased photosensitivity with a risk of complex skin reactions , and Dong Quai should not be used with other drugs that cause photosensitivity, such as tretinoin .
Dong quai can heighten the potency and, therefore, potential risks of blood-thinning medications Coumadin , such as warfarin, so it should not be used with these medicines.
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