Dong quai has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual symptoms and to "purify the blood." Although modern studies in humans are lacking, there is some evidence to suggest that dong quai may contain chemicals that mimic estrogen, are anti-inflammatory and slow blood clotting. Men who suffer from premature ejaculation may find benefit in applying ground dong quai root.
About Dong Quai
Roots of dong quai, Angelica sinesis, has been used as a spice and medicine in China, Japan and Korea. A member of the same plant family as celery, dong quai grows at in cold, damp climates such as the high mountains. The roots are the only part used in medicine and appear yellowish-brown and thickly branched.
Benefits for Everyone
Traditional uses for dong quai include the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, headache, infections, nerve pain, rheumatism and allergy. Although some studies of dong quai root extracts have shown to have properties congruent with these treatments, none has shown conclusively in human studies that it is effective. Some studies have also suggested that dong quai, along with other traditional herbs, may be useful in the treatment of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Benefits for Men
Traditional medicine has used dong quai primarily in treating women, sometimes calling it female ginseng. Exclusive benefits known for men are limited to the treatment of premature ejaculation when a cream containing dong quai and other herbs is applied to the penis before sexual activity. The cream is marketed as SS-Cream and also contains Panax ginseng, Cistanches deserticola, Zanthoxyl, Torlidis seed, clove flower, Asiasari root, cinnamon and toad venom.
Safety
Dong quai appears to be safe when taken occasionally in small amounts. No long-term effects have been studied. Do not take dong quai if you are pregnant or breast feeding, after a diagnosis with a hormone-sensitive cancer, or with a condition where blood clotting is abnormal. Check with your doctor to determine whether dong quai is safe to take with your medications and health conditions.
Member Comments