Dong quai is one of the most frequently used herbs in Asia with its use dating back to the Han Dynasty (A.D. 25-220).  It has been a medicinal herb for thousands of years in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines.

Dong quai has been called the “female ginseng” because of its usefulness for numerous health conditions common to women, in fact it is used for almost every female gynecological ailment by TCM practiitoners.

Among its many uses for women is its ability to help reestablish regular menstrual cycles after going off birth control pills, it is also useful for scanty or delayed menstrual flow and as an anti-spasmodic to hep relieve cramps.

Dong quai helps nourish dry and thin vaginal tissue, possibly due to its ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites.  Dong quai may also be used for anemia associated with menstruation, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, and general fatigue.

Dong Quai is a vital women’s herb with many applications, however it isn’t right for everyone. Women experiencing hot flashes, those with heavy periods, and women who consider themsleves to be “warm” in general could potentially see an increase in negative symptoms with Dong Quai.

It is a significant component of our Female Tonic Tea, though it can also be used by men who are looking for a wartming, grounding herb to add to their life.

Because of it’s warming, blood nourishing, and downward moving energy, it is associated with balancing the Root Chakra.

MATERIA MEDICA: DONG QUAI

Latin Name: Angelica polymorpha, A. sinensis

Family: Apiaceae (Parsley Family)

Botanical Description: Dong Quai is a small perennial, growing up to three feet in height. It is native to high altitude regions of China and Japan, growing best in cold, damp areas. It produces small clusters of white flowers.

Parts Used: Root

Energetics: sweet, pungent, bitter (but extremely bitter roots are of poor quality), warm, moist, downward moving

Actions:

Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, blood tonic, chi tonic, circulatory stimulant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immune stimulant, laxative, sedative (mild), postpartum tonic, uterine relaxant, stimulant and tonic, yin tonic, balances the root chakra

Uses:

• Activity against strep, shigella, dysentery, and various fungi
• Amenorrhea
• Anemia
• Arthritis
• Blood deficiency (builds the blood)
• Blood Stagnations (improves circulation)
• Candida
• Chills
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Constipation (due to dryness)
• Disperses congestion in the pelvic region
• Dry Skin
• Dysmenorrhea
• Endometriosis
• Exhaustion
• Hair Loss
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Infertility (female)
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Irregular Menses
• Menopause Symptoms (Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness, and Heart Palpitations)
• Muscle Spasms
• Nerve Pain
• Pain
• PMS
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Relaxes the uterus
• Sciatica
• Stabilizes Blood Sugar
• Stimulates white blood cell production
• Tinnitus

Key Constituents: Butylidene phhtalide, ligustilide, n-butylidene-phthalide, sequiterpenes, carvacrol, dihyrophthalic anhydride, sucrose, B vitamins, beta-sitosterol.

Dose:

• Tea: 1 tsp dried herb simmered in 12 oz hot water for 20 min, 2-3 times/day.
• Powdered herb:  500 to 600 mg tablets or capsules up to 6 times daily.
• Tincture: 1:5 w/v, 70% alcohol 40 to 80 drops (equivalent to 2 to 4 mL, there are 5 mL in a tsp.), 3 times daily is one possible dosing schedule, however, individual doses will vary and it is unusual for Dong quai to be prescribed alone. It is usually part of a formula containing synergistic herbs.

Cautions:

• Avoid during pregnancy, cases of diarrhea, poor digestion, abdominal distention, heavy menstrual flow, high fever with a strong fast pulse, or with blood-thinning medications.
• Use of dong quai may increase photosensitivity

Interactions:

• Dong quai may interact with some medications and herbs, includin the following:
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets): Dong quai may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. The same is true of using dong quai with many herbs and supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking dong quai.