Health Benefits of Dong Quai

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), commonly known as Chinese angelica, is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Dong quai has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat female disorders, and is called "women's ginseng" because of its potent tonic properties, but it also has many other therapeutic uses.

Properties and Health Benefits of Dong Quai

The dried root of dong quai is the part most often used medicinally. Different parts of the root are said to have slightly different therapeutic properties, with the "head" of the root being more of a tonic, while the "tail" has a stronger blood moving activity. The entire root is generally used in medicinal preparations.

While it has many therapeutic uses, dong quai is best known as a blood tonic. It stimulates the formation of red blood cells, making it beneficial for anemia. It is a smooth muscle relaxant and promotes blood circulation, particularly in the pelvic region. In addition, dong quai contains phytoestrogens, which act to regulate the level of hormones in the body. Because of these properties, dong quai is used for a wide range of women's gynecological conditions including PMS, irregular or painful menstruation, uterine cramps, and recovery after childbirth. It also helps to relieve menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.

In addition to its usefulness for disorders specific to women, dong quai is also helpful for many other conditions. It benefits cardiovascular health by dilating the arteries and promoting blood flow, as well as normalizing the heart rate. It has pain-relieving activity and can be taken for traumatic injury, arthritis and rheumatism. It boosts the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells and enhancing their disease-fighting activity, and it may aid in liver function.

One of the most widely used Chinese patent formulas containing dong quai is Dong Quai Four, also known as Si Wu Tang, which combines dong quai with ligusticum wallichii (Szechwan lovage root) white peony root and prepared rehmannia.

Cautions and Contraindications for Dong Quai

Dong quai may cause increased sensitivity to the sun, especially in fair skinned individuals, so those taking it on a continual basis should protect themselves from sun exposure. Dong quai should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing, by women who have especially heavy menstrual flow, and by those taking blood thinning drugs. It should not be taken by those suffering from diarrhea or acute viral infections such as colds or flu.

This information is for educational purposes only. If you have a serious health concern, see your health care provider.

Sources:

Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2000.
Tierra, Lesley. Healing with the Herbs of Life. Crossing Press, 2003.