Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is an important herbal tea, tincture and powder in Asian medicine. It is often considered a woman's herb because of its popularity in treating gynecological problems, but dong quai is also effective in treating digestive and respiratory disorders. The active ingredients in dong quai are in the root, which contains volatile oils and coumarin chemicals. Do not use dong quai if you are taking blood thinners, since it may enhance the effects of your medication.
Immune stimulant
Traditional Chinese medicine uses dong quai root as an immune stimulant. A study reported in the 2006 issue of "Planta Medica" tested a formula containing dong quai and astragalus roots that was described in 13th century Chinese medical texts. The researchers found that this concoction increased the activity of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, key cells involved in the body's immune response. The formula was most powerful when the ratio of astragalus to dong quai was 5:1, just as the ancient Chinese texts recommend.
Constipation
Dong quai is a useful herb for constipation because, according to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., at the Institute for Traditional Medicine, it moistens the intestines. Dong quai contains constituents, such as scopoletin and ferulic acid, that act on the digestive system, particularly the liver and gall bladder, to increase bile flow and promote peristalsis, the contraction of the smooth muscles of the digestive system.
Depression
Dong quai contains sedative chemicals like falcarinol and p-cymene that aid in reducing tension. The coumarin scopoletin is also a major constituent in dong quai root. Scopoletin is a MAO inhibitor, which means it can regulate the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a major hormone involved in depression.
Coughs
Dong quai acts on the upper respiratory tract by helping the body remove excess mucus and controlling cough spasms. The volatile oil made from the root contains alpha-pinene and carvacrol, both potent expectorants and antispasmodics. Scopoletin is also a bronchial muscle relaxant.
Anti-inflammatory
Dong quai has potent anti-inflammatory activity and is a useful herb for treating inflammation that may accompany upper respiratory illnesses. This late-onset inflammation of the entire body, known as sepsis, can be a lethal condition. A study reported in the 2008 issue of the "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine" found that dong quai was able to inhibit the signaling molecules that increase inflammation that leads to sepsis after an upper respiratory infection.
Reproductive Problems
Dong quai is a popular herb for treating menstrual disorders like cramping, irregular cycles and premenstrual syndrome. Traditional Chinese medicine uses dong quai to nourish and tone the blood. According to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., at the Institute for Traditional Medicine, dong quai, or danggui, has no estrogenic effects. Its notoriety in treating reproductive system problems is likely due to non-estrogen active ingredients, like ferulic acid, which relieves painful menstruation, reduces spasms, and has a sedative effect on the uterus.
References
- "Planta Medica"; A Chinese herbal decoction, Danggui Buxue Tang, prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis stimulates the immune responses; Gao QT, Cheung JK, Li J, Chu GK, Duan R, Cheung AW, Zhao KJ, Dong TT, Tsim KW; October 2006
- Institute for Traditional Medicine
- "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine"; Caging a Beast in the Inflammation Arena: Use of Chinese Medicinal Herbs to Inhibit a Late Mediator of Lethal Sepsis, HMGB1; Zhu S, Li W, Li J, Sama AE, Wang H; 2008
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