Dong quai, a Chinese herb also known as Angelica sinensis, may not have the familiar name of other more popular herbs, but it boasts a lengthy history in traditional Chinese medicine for its antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Although scientific studies have not conclusively confirmed its effectiveness, herbal practitioners claim that dong quai can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches. However, due to safety and efficacy concerns, check with your physician before use.
Sinuses
Inflammation of your sinuses commonly occurs during an upper respiratory infection, when an infection in your nose spreads to your sinuses. As the mucous membranes of the area become swollen and inflamed, the openings that run from each sinus into your nasal passages become blocked. The mucus in the blocked sinus causes pressure on your sinus walls, resulting in fever, pain, congestion, headache and difficulty breathing.
Dong Quai Fast Facts
Grown in the damp mountainous regions of China, Japan and Korea, dong quai reaches heights of 6 feet and features small green leaves, hollow stems and attractive clusters of white flowers in summer. Its large, yellow-brown rhizomes, or roots, are valued for their culinary and medicinal properties. In the Chinese herbal tradition, dong quai has several applications, including use as a blood tonic and remedy for menstrual cramps, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and respiratory conditions.
Dong Quai Sinuses Link
When your immune system's antibodies prompt the release of histamines, the blood vessels in your sinuses can become inflamed and swollen. Dong quai contains the key constituent coumarin, which helps inhibit tissue-destructive antibodies from forming at the beginning of the inflammatory process, claims Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing." In addition, according to Stephanie Pedersen, author of "Dong Quai: Woman's Wonder Drug," dong quai appears to help relieve sinus congestion by altering immune-system reactions.
Adverse Effects
While herbalists dry dong quai's rhizomes to make tablets, capsules, powders, tinctures and liquid extract, scientists have not yet fully determined the safety of the herb. According to MedlinePlus, carcinogenic chemicals found in dong quai make it potentially dangerous when used in large doses over extended periods. Even small doses may result in bloating, diarrhea, gastric upset, heavy menstrual flow and photosensitivity. It also contains the potentially cancer-causing ingredients psoralens and safrole, so children; pregnant and nursing women; women with heavy menstrual flow; and others with blood-clotting disorders, herpes or estrogen-sensitive cancers should avoid the herb.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai
- MayoClinic.com: Sinus Headache
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Dong Quai: Woman's Wonder Drug"; Stephanie Pedersen; 2000
- MedlinePlus: Dong Quai
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