Endometriosis is a painful condition that occurs when the tissue lining the inside of the uterus forms on other places in the pelvis. The cause is unknown, but hormones play a role in the condition. Angelica sinensis, or dong quai root, has been used to treat gynecological issues such as menopause and painful menstruation for thousands of years. While dong quai purportedly helps with many gynecological issues, using the herb when you have endometriosis might have negative effects. Consult your physician before use.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a fragrant perennial that grows high in the damp, cold mountains of Korea, Japan and China. Herbalists use the root of dong quai to treat menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms and infrequent periods.
Endometriosis
The inner lining of the uterus is known as the endometrium and responds to hormonal changes during a menstrual cycle. The duration of a menstrual cycle is roughly 28 days. During the first part of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows and thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed through bleeding.
During endometriosis, the endometrium grows on other structures in the pelvis, such as fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, bladder, ureters, rectum and the space behind the uterus known as the cul-de-sac, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This tissue reacts just like the tissue inside the uterus, thickening, shedding and bleeding. This can cause severe pelvic pain possibly following bowel movements or urination, sex, or just before or during a period. Women might bleed between cycles and infertility can occur.
Estrogen
Researchers believe that the active ingredient in dong quai reacts similarly to estrogen in the body. These plant-based estrogens might help decrease the side effects of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings by replacing the decreasing estrogen caused by menopause. The National Institutes of Health states that there is currently insufficient research to draw any firm conclusions on the use of dong quai to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Dong Quai and Endometriosis
Many researchers discourage the use of dong quai when you suffer from endometriosis. The estrogen-like affects of the herb might exacerbate endometriosis symptoms because the condition responds to the same hormones as the menstrual cycle, namely progesterone and estrogen. Dong quai might affect other hormone-based conditions as well, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and uterine cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your physician before using dong quai or any herbal supplement.
Warnings
Do not drink dong quai as an essential oil because it contains small amounts of cancer-causing agents. High doses of the herb might cause an increased sensitivity to sunlight, causing increased inflammation. If you are pregnant, avoid taking dong quai as it can cause uterine contractions, possibly leading to miscarriage or pre-term labor.
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