Dong quai, Angelica sinensis, is also known as "female ginseng" or "lady ginseng." Native to the mountainous regions of East Asia, it has been used there in traditional medicinal preparations for over a thousand years. The science suggests it may act on serotonin receptors to improve your mood. This may explain its history as a natural remedy to relieve menopausal hot flashes and premenstrual symptoms.
Plant Characteristics
Dong quai thrives in high altitudes and cold damp climates. It grows wild in the mountains of China, Korea and Japan. An herbaceous perennial plant, it is a member of the celery family. A perennial plant needs a period of time greater than two years to complete its life cycle. Dong quai roots needs three years to fully mature before you harvest them for natural medicinal use. Its flowers resemble Queen Anne's lace and poison hemlock. The erect stems grow to heights of over 3 feet and terminate in an umbrella-like spray of tiny white flowers.
History
The root of Angelica sinensis, or Chinese angelica, is called dong quai. It has been employed in Chinese, Korean and Japanese traditional medicinal preparations for thousands of years. The first use of dong quai is recorded in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, published during the Han Dynasty which ruled from 25 to 225 A.D.
Extract
Dong quai is mainly used to treat ailments and conditions of the female reproductive system, such as cramps, premenstrual syndrome, irregular periods and menopausal symptoms. The first commercial standardized fluid extract of Dong quai was produced by a major pharmaceutical company and introduced to the public in 1899. It is still sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. Standardized products offer you a guaranteed way to know how much of an active ingredient is contained in each dose. Capsules and tablets made from powdered herbs vary in potency from one pill to the other.
Precautions
The University of Maryland Medical Center, outlines the precautions you need to take when using dong quai. If you have a hormone-related form of cancer, dong quai is contraindicated for its potential to have estrogen-like effects. When taking dong quai internally, your skin may become sensitive to sunlight and burn easily or develop a rash. Dong quai can cause the uterus to contract, causing a miscarriage.
Interactions
Dong quai may interact negatively with prescription drugs and medicinal herbs. Patients taking blood-thinners, anticoagulants and hormone medications should not take dong quai. Cautionary information provided by the University of Maryland Medical Center advises you to consult with a medical professional before combining dong quai and feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, licorice, turmeric, St. John's wort or Chinese skullcap.
Member Comments