Dong quai, also called dang gui, danggui and tang kwei, is an herb that comes from the roots of the plant Angelica sinensis, a native of Japan, China and Korea. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been called the "female ginseng." Actually a member of the celery family, dong quai is said to soothe many female-specific disorders, such as dysmenorrhea, PMS and suppressed menstrual cycles.
History
Dong quai's history stretches back thousands of years. In the book "Chinese Natural Cures," a traditional story gives dong quai the name "ought to return". A just-married man set out on a dangerous mountain trek to find new herbal remedies. He told his wife to remarry after three years if he did not return. He did not return in the allotted time, so his mother insisted his wife remarry to uphold his wishes. A few days after the wedding, the man returned. When his former wife found out he had come back, she fell ill. Fortunately, one of the herbs he brought back--dong quai--was purported to treat women's illnesses. He decocted it for her and it cured her.
General Uses
As a "blood builder," this herb has close associations with female menstrual irregularities. In TCM it is typically combined with other herbs to facilitate the regular flow of menstruation. It also has a moving effect in the GI tract, which can help relieve constipation. "The Complete Guide of Herbal Medicines" says that dong quai is also good for obstruction, inflammation and clotting of the blood vessels. In this way it can aid cardiovascular health, helping prevent the clotting of arteries and blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Specific Uses
When taken orally, dong quai has been found to reduce inflammation. According to a study published in the 2010 "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," this herb helps reduce inflammatory mediators and decreased inflammation, and can help protect against endotoxic shock in lab rats. It is helpful in cases of painful menstruation, cramping, irregular menstrual cycles and uterine bleeding. Herbalists claim dong quai can have a balancing effect on female hormones, although "The Natural Pharmacy" states that it does not have estrogenic effects and does not qualify as a phytoestrogen.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dong quai is rarely used alone in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as other herbs enhance its effects. Practitioners suggest comgining the herb with Astragalus to treat exhaustion from blood loss. Dong quai is also found in Si Wu Tang, along with linguisticum, peony and foxglove roots, a formula used for building the blood. Xiao Yao Wan, which is used to help with digestion, constipation and irritability, also contains dong quai.
Recommendations
The powdered form of the root can be taken in capsules and tablets, according to "The Natural Pharmacy." Women can take 3 to 4 g daily. A tincture form can also be used, 3 to 4 ml of the tincture three times daily. If any of these formulas are used, follow instructions on the package. Dong quai is not recommended for pregnant women, and it can cause light sensitivity in some people. As with all herbs, consult your physician before beginning.
References
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Gaby, Alan, M.D.; 2006
- "The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines"; Charles W. Fetrow Pharm.D, and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D; 2000
- "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Inhibitory effects of Angelica sinensis ethyl acetate extract and major compounds on NF-kappaB trans-activation activity and LPS-induced inflammation; Epublished 2010
- "Chinese Natural Cures"; Lu, Henry; 1986
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