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The ancient female tonic
Asian herbalists have used the root of the Dong Quai plant for centuries to treat gynecological problems. Also called Angelica and the Empress of Herbs, Dong Quai can be found on the dinner table in a specially prepared Chinese dish -- Dong Quai Duck!
Hailed by its advocates as useful in regulating menstruation, reducing symptoms of PMS, and treating menstrual cramps, as well as relieving some of the symptoms of menopause, Dong Quai is often called the "female ginseng" of herbs. Some research does show, however, that large doses of Dong Quai could be harmful -- resulting in a kind of photodermatitis in people who are susceptible. Taking large amounts over time is therefore not recommended.
Quick Facts About Dong Quai
- Dong Quai is an aromatic, perennial herb whose flavor resembles that of dill
- It is an aid for a wide array of gynecological complaints
- Vitamins and minerals abound in Dong Quai, including Vitamins A, B12, and E
- Some say Dong Quai can help anemia and the accompanying pale complexion
- In Chinese medicine, Dong Quai is characterized as sweet, acrid, bitter, and warm
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Consult Your Doctor Before Taking Dong Quai Supplements if You
- Are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant in the near future
- Have heavy menstrual bleeding
- Have a fever
- Have a fast pulse
- Have diarrhea
- Have abdominal bloating
How Dong Quai Supplements Can Work Best for You
- Dong Quai is frequently prescribed by natural remedy advocates for women who stop taking birth control pills to help regulate their menstrual cycles
- The root of Dong Quai can be cooked with a variety of foods (some say it improves the taste of soups)
- To get your blood moving, try frying the sliced root in vinegar or wine before eating.
Product Forms Available
- Root powder
- Herbal tea
- Capsules and tablets
- You can often find Dong Quai in bulk at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets, and health food stores
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Dong Quai is plentiful in minerals such as iron and cobalt and vitamins such as A, B-12, E, and niacin. It contains alcohols, essential oils, sucrose, cadinene, carotene, carvacrol, coumarin, isosafrol, safrol, and sesquiterpenes.
Specifically, Dong Quai has several different coumarin derivatives. (Coumarin is a white crystalline lactone.) A few of these derivatives include oxypeucedanin, osthole, imperatorin, and bergapten. These derivatives are effective as vasodilators, antispasmodics, and stimulators of the central nervous system.
Coumarins also thin your blood, so be aware they may interact with blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin.
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Advocates of Dong Quai have crowned it the "empress of herbs" for a reason. This herb is often used to treat female gynecological conditions such as infertility, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Supporters believe it has properties useful to men as well.
For Women, Dong Quai Supplements May Be Beneficial if You
- Have recently stopped taking birth control pills (Dong Quai may help regulate your menstrual cycle)
- Have symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- Have symptoms of menopause
- Experience irregular menstruation
- Have vaginal dryness
- Experience menstrual cramps
- Want to improve your overall reproductive health
For Men and Women, Dong Quai Supplements May Be Beneficial if You
- Have high blood pressure
- Have poor blood circulation
- Experience pain such as arthritic pain, stabbing pain, or heart pain
- Have sores
- Have a pale complexion
- Have insomnia
- Are lightheaded
- Have heart palpitations
- Have tinnitus (a ringing sensation in your ears)
- Want to prevent anemia
- Want to enhance your blood circulation
- Suffer from allergic attacks
To summarize, Dong Quai has been said to regulate menstruation, enhance circulation, and stimulate the intestines. Dong Quai may be useful to reduce swelling, aches, and pains because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Storage
Store the Dong Quai root, as well as supplement forms, in a cool, dry place.
Dosage and Administration
You can find Dong Quai at most Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets, and Western health food stores and pharmacies. This herb is found usually in bulk and in tablet or capsule forms. If you buy Dong Quai in its root form, be sure not to purchase it if it is dry or if its cross section looks greenish-brown.
You may take up to three capsules or tablets per day, or as directed on the package.
If you drink Dong Quai tea, you may drink one cup a day. The tea can be made by mixing two teaspoons of the herb in 1 1/2 pints of boiling water. Simmer this tea for about 20 minutes. Strain the tea and drink.
You can also include Dong Quai in dishes you prepare: you can cook it in chicken or vegetable soups. A popular Cantonese dish is Dong Quai Duck.
A popular way of cooking Dong Quai is to place one root with six jujube dates in three cups of water. (You can find these dates at a Chinese pharmacy, Asian market, or Western health food store.) Simmer this concoction for approximately 20 minutes. Strain the soup and drink up. You may drink 1 1/2 cups each day.
For other ways to prepare and administer Dong Quai, you can ask a Chinese medicinal practitioner.
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General Warnings
Do not take more than the recommended dosages. Doing so may lead to skin conditions that can become very serious.
Women
If you are pregnant, currently menstruating, or usually have a heavy menstrual flow, do not take Dong Quai supplements. Dong Quai will not be helpful in these cases because of its blood-moving properties.
Men and Women
If you experience diarrhea or abdominal swelling or bloating, do not use this herb. If you do take Dong Quai supplements, do so with caution. This herb has damp qualities.
Medications
If you are on blood-thinning medications such as coumadin, check with your doctor before taking Dong Quai.
Side Effects
If you take Dong Quai supplements in their recommended dosages, there should be no side effects. However, if Dong Quai is consumed in large quantities, this herb can cause skin disorders, including sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to dermatitis or skin cancer.
Be sure to talk to your doctor or a Chinese medical practitioner to determine the correct dosage before taking the supplement.
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