Juicing For Health - Dong Quai
Name
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) also known as Chinese Angelica or "female ginseng".
Parts Used
Roots.
Information
Angelica sinensis is a herb from the family Apiaceae, indigenous to China. The root is what is used for the many medicinal benefits dong quai has to offer.
Dong Quai has been used for thousands of years in traditonal chinese medicine for the treatment of gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia, high blood pressure, mild sedative, anti-spasmodic, rheumatism, improves blood, assisting the body in using hormones, strengthening the reproductive system and as an anti-inflammatory.
Benefits
- Female Reproductive Tonic
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Mild Sedative
Commonly recommended for the female reproductive system, herbalists believe that it is a uterine tonic and hormonal regulator. It is often used in premenstrual syndrome formulas as well as menopausal formulas. However, this herb is not recommended during pregnancy due to possible hormonal, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet properties. Animal research has noted conflicting effects on the uterus, with reports of both stimulation and relaxation.
Dong Quai is often recommended for relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Researchers aren't sure whether dong quai has estrogen-like effects or if it blocks estrogens in the body, and the studies so far have been conflicting.
Dong quai is a mild sedative with stress relieving properties that can calm the nervous system and be used to treat insomnia.
Side Effects/Precautions
Dong quai, particularly at high doses, may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and cause skin inflammation and rashes. Stay out of the sun or use sunscreen while taking dong quai.
Should not be used during pregnancy.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
- Solgar FP Dong Quai Vegetable Capsules - 100 Vegicaps
- Native Remedies Dong Quai (60 Capsules) - Herbal Remedy to Prevent Menopause & PMS Symptoms
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