Dong Quai,  Chinese Angelica

This herb is often referred to  as Chinese Angelica or  Dong Quai, pronounced 'Dong Kwy',  its other common names include Dang Gui  and Tang Kuei. As the Latin name suggests, this herb  is related to  the Angelica species which are all members of the Carrot family. 

In its native country, China,  Dong Quai is the next best selling herb to Licorice, where millions  of women are reputed  to take it every day as an invigorating  and blood purifying tonic. The term 'female ginseng'  is often used by herbalists when referring  to Dong Quai  and its tonifying  properties.

WHAT IS A TONIC? 

n  many traditional systems of healing, such as, Ayurveda  and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal tonics are considered  the 'creme de la creme'  of remedies and are highly sought-after. 

Herbal tonics nourish cells, tissues, organs,  in fact they feed  and nourish  the whole body. Being safe for long term use, herbal tonics focus on  the vitality of an individual and are often  used for supporting  the nervous system, hormonal system and  the immune system. 

Christopher Hobbs, a well respected Herbalist, writes very highly  of herbal tonics; "Tonics  are very gentle and slow stimulants, and they provide nutrients that  the body can use,  such as vitamins, minerals and many  other constituents like plant pigments, eg anthocyanins or flavonoids. Large quantities  can be given without harm of overstressing cells, tissues, organs or body systems." 

USES OF DONG QUAI 

I have already mentioned the tonifying  effects of Dong Quai, this is especially true  for its actions on the female reproductive system. It's ability to regulate  and normalise hormonal imbalances means that this herb  can be extremely valuable in alleviating symptoms asscociated with PMT, infertilty and the menopause. 

Some of  the chemical components  of Dong Quai include vitamin B (nictonic acid, folic acid, vitamin B12), and vitamin A. 

For menstruating women,  Dong Quai  can help: 

• PMT (Pre-menstrual tension, or pre-menstrual syndrome) 
• Amenorrhoea (lack  of menstrual flow), 
• Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), 
• Infertility and 
• Anaemia (blood iron deficiency) 

Menopause -  Dong Quai can improve; 

• Hot flushes (flashes)
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision 
• Menopause cramps 
• Sleeplessness
• Nerve debility (panic attacks, general nervousness) 
• Anaemia,  and
• Osteoporosis 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong Quai is, foremost, a  blood tonic used to nourish  the blood and invigorate  the blood circulation. The associated acupuncture meridians  are the Liver, Heart  and Spleen. 

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited April 3, 2010)