A member of the carrot family, dong quai (Angelica sinensis), has a long history of use in Asian cultures and it is one of the most popular herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike most herbal supplements, dong quai has undergone extensive Chinese testing, lending credibility to its use in treating female reproductive issues, although further American testing is necessary to confirm those results. Dong quai is also known as Chinese angelica.
Plant Features
Referred to as "female ginseng," the root, which is the medicinal part of the dong quai plant, has a bittersweet taste and is ivory in color. The upper portion of the plant is tall, reaching 7 feet in height, when grown in optimal conditions. Although much larger than the garden-variety carrot, dong quai's foliage resembles the leafy stem sheaths of the carrot.
Cultivation
Once harvested from native plants that grew in damp loamy soil along riverbanks and moist low-lying meadows, dong quai is now commercially cultivated throughout China, Korea and Japan. A quick-growing herb, dong quai seeds that are sown in spring produce mature roots that are ready for harvest in the fall.
Medicinal Uses
Considered a "warming" herb in Chinese medicine, dong quai sells as an herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and for treating menopause-related symptoms. Herbal practitioners recommend it for menstrual cramping, hot flashes and for vaginal dryness. In addition to treating female issues, dong quai may be beneficial in easing the pain of migraine headaches and in relaxing muscle spasms. Dong quai is often used in combination with other herbs.
Dosage
Dong quai is available from health food stores in a variety of herbal forms, including capsules or tablets made from the dried root or liquid tinctures or extracts. Drugs.com suggests a dosage of up to 15g per day of liquid root extract or up to 500mg of dried product, taken as often as six times daily. Consult a certified herbalist, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or a doctor of naturopathy for individual dosage based upon your weight.
Considerations
Do not use dong quai if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; the herb may act as an abortifacient in pregnant women. Dong quai may interfere with medications, including heparin, warfarin and other anticoagulant drugs. Some people may develop a fever or experience increased bleeding after using dong quai. Always consult a professional before beginning any alternative treatments.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Drugs.com: Dong Quai
- Mayo Clinic: Dong Quai
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