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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Dong Quai , Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui |
| Botanical Name |
| Angelica sinensis |
| Family |
| APIACEAE or UMBELLIFERAE Carrot Family |
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Related Species |
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Angelica archagelica |
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In traditional Chinese medicine, only ginseng is more esteemed. The name dong quai means proper order, and for thousands of years the dried roots have been used to restore a healthy order to the body. Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. Historically, it has been prescribed for uterine bleeding, painful menses, and other abnormalities of the menstrual cycle. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. A decoction of the whole root is considered diuretic and strongly antibacterial. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic activity have been confirmed in experiments. Considered the most important Chinese herb for menstrual disorders, its blood tonic, circulation-enhancing, pain-relieving, tranquilizing, and liver-protecting qualities are sometimes overlooked.
Dong quai contains many nutrients, from metals like cobalt, copper and manganese, to plant sterols, which have similar chemical structures to human hormones like estrogen. Among the active medicinal ingredients are coumarins, essential oils, and various flavonoids. Dong quai strengthens the immune system by increasing production of white blood cells, assisting the liver in ridding the body of toxins. |
Prep Methods :1 to 3 tablespoons of fresh root, 2 to 6 grams of dried root, or 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon liquid extract daily. The sliced root is easier to work with than the whole.
Remedies using Dong Quai
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For over two thousand years, since the writing of the Divine Husband's Classic of the Materia Medica, Chinese herbal medicine has used dong quai to help women return to their natural hormonal and emotional states after the accumulation of toxins and emotional injuries in the energy organ known as the liver.
Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-16-06) |
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| Natural estrogen | | The phytoestrogens in dong quai work whether the body's natural estrogen concentration needs to be supplemented or constrained, making it a good treatment for a whole spectrum of female health problems. 372
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Optimize female hormones | | Dong quai's ability to optimize female hormones sets the stage for responsiveness to sexual desire. Sexual pleasure, particularly orgasmic intensity, may be enhanced with the use of dong quai. 504
( ) | | Detoxification | | Dong quai root assists the liver in ridding the body of toxins 714
| | Menopause | | Dong quai is an excellent herb to help ease women into menopause if difficulty arises. balances and regulates hormone production. 905
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) | | Cancer prevention | | Dong quai increases production of white blood cells strengthening the immune system. This immune enhancement may come into play in cancer prevention. 1056
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Amenorrhea - Loss of Period | | Nettle leaf infusion has reportedly returned the monthly flow to women drinking it regularly, even in their sixties. Dong quai tincture, especially when combined with white peony root and licorice, is a superb remedy for women whose menses cease unaccountably. 1186
(Weed, Susan ) | |
| Side Effects: |
| Not for use while pregnant or if you have an acute viral infection. May stimulate bleeding. If taken over long period of time, it is suggested discontinue use during the monthly menstrual cycle. |
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Dong quai, or dan-gui is one of nine species of angelica, part of the parsley family, a plant family known for vegetables like carrot and parsnips, herbs like parsley and caraway, and its highly toxic members, including poison hemlock. European varieties include Angelica officinalis or Angelica archangelica, the american variety is Angelica atropurpurea, which is used interchangabley with its European cousin, but it is the Chinese and Japanse varient, sinesis, (of China) that is the most valued and studied.
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Annies Remedys
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