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Also known as- Angelica sinensis, Dong Gui, Chinese Angelica, and Dan Gui.
Introduction
The Chinese phrase "dong quai" literally means "state of return." For over two thousand years, since the writing of the Divine HusbandmanÍs Classic of the Materia Medica, Chinese herbal medicine has used dong quai to help women return to their natural hormonal and emotional states after the accumulation of toxins and emotional injuries in the energy organ known as the "liver."
Dong quai is a plant in the same family as celery, parsley, and carrots. Its long, large, most, oily and fragrant root has a yellow-brown bark and a yellow-white cross section. Greenish roots should not be used.
Dong quai is often included in herbal combinations as a treatment for abnormal menstruation, including suppressed menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and uterine bleeding. However it is not recommended, according to Chinese medicine, for treatment of menopause, or related symptoms such as hot flashes. And contrary to some recent theories, donq quai is not a replacement for estrogen, nor does it offer any hormone-like effects on the body. Its reported ability to relieve menstrual related symptoms and conditions is believed to stem from its power to quell spasms in the internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine employs dong quai in treating both men and women with cardiovascular disease, including symptoms of high blood pressure and problems with peripheral circulation.
In general practice, the whole root of dong quai is used. Pieces of the root are cut in longitudinal slices about the thickness of a penny in order to fully utilize the many properties of the root. Traditionally in China it is said: the head staunches bleeding, the body preserves the internal organs and nourishes the blood, while the tail moves the blood. As a whole the root is said to "harmonize" the blood.
Dong quai root contains .4 to .7% volatile oil, primarily consisting of phthalides, butylidene being the major one. Ligustilide is another important constituent in the oil. The root also consists of special acids including ferulic acid as well as various polysaccharides and coumarins.
Dong quai may be taken raw or cooked, alone or in combination with other herbs, in capsules or liquid extract. The Chinese often boil dong quai with jujube dates to make a pleasant tasting tea. Another popular dong quai recipe is chicken soup in which the root is used with the vegetables. This traditional dish is considered very nourishing and is used when recovering from an illness. Many Chinese will argue that the dong quai in the soup is more important than the chicken.
Dong quai has been used by the Chinese for more than two thousand years, as a strengthener of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidney meridians and as a tonic for the blood. It is traditionally characterized as a warm atmospheric energy that promotes blood circulation.
The root has earned a reputation as the "ultimate herb" for women. It is widely used among Chinese women as a fortifying daily tonic, much as Chinese men rely on ginseng. Women in other parts of the world have also discovered this 5,000 year old tradition that naturally provides balancing and normalizing support for women's unique rhythms, cycles and body systems. It's not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation or for people taking blood thinning agents.
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Dong quai's constituents can stimulate the central nervous system whereby alleviating weakness and frequent headaches associated with menstrual disorders. Dong quai also strengthens the internal reproductive organs, helps with endometriosis and aids in internal bleeding or bruising. It also relieves symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
Dong quai also works as a blood purifier, it has been known to promote blood circulation and provide nourishment to the blood in both sexes. It has a high iron content and may assist in preventing iron deficiency and anemia. Studies show that it can aid in regulating blood sugar levels and in lowering blood pressure.
Dong quai has slight sedative properties, which may relieve stress and calm nerves. It has been used to stimulate a mother's uterus during labor, treat insomnia, relieve constipation and treat migraine headaches.
Constituents
Butylidene phhtalide, ligustilide, n-butylidene-phthalide, sequiterpenes, carvacrol, dihyrophthalic anhydride, sucrose, B vitamins, beta-sitosterol.
Parts Used
Root.
Typical Preparations
Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, usually with other herbs.
With white peony, rehmannia and ligusticum, used for menstrual irregularity, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. With ginger, for post partum abdominal pain, or hernia. With cinnamon for pelvic infections. With honeysuckle (lonicera) for swelling of skin absecesses.
Summary
In herbal medicine, the primary use of dong quai is as a uterine tonic, reducing menstrual pain and reducing disagreeable symptoms of menopause. Dong quai does not stimulate the production of estrogen. The herb is used in tonics for both sexes to relieve pain caused by neuralgia, poor circulation, and arthritis.
Precautions
Avoid when there is diarrhea with flatulence. Not to be used while pregnant or if you are on blood thinning medications.
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