DONG QUAI

Latin Name: Angelica sinensis

Alternate Names: Tang Kwei, Dang Gui, Ginseng For Women, State Of Return, Toki

Family: APIACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antifungal, Antispasmodic, Aromatic, Blood Tonic, Emmenagogue, Sedative, Uterine Tonic, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Allergies, Amenorrhea, Anemia, Chi Deficiency, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Headache, Hot Flashes, Hyperacidity, Insomnia, Menopause, Shigella, Strep Throat, Tachycardia, Tinnitus

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Dong Quai helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, thereby helping to support calmer moods. Women who are going off birth control pills can use it to help re-establish regular menstrual cycles. It is given to women after birthing to help prevent postpartum bleeding and to build strength. It builds the blood and improves circulation as well as disperses congestion in the pelvic region. It also helps nourish dry, thin vaginal tissues. It helps to beautify the skin and foster feelings of compassion.

Dong Quai has been found to have activity in in vitro studies against Strep, Shigella and in dysentery. It accelerates the healing of wounds and stimulates white blood cell production. It can help people who suffer from environmental illness.

Culinary uses: Root is added to vegetable or chicken soups and cooked with grains.

Energetics: Sweet, Pungent, Bitter, Warm, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Niacin, essential oil (carvacrol, safrol, isosafrol), sesquiterpenes, cadinene, coumarin, sitosterol, vitamin B-12 and vitamin E.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy unless suggested by a competent health professional. Avoid in cases of diarrhea, poor digestion and abdominal distension. Avoid with heavy menstrual flow. Do not use if takning blood thinning medications.

Comments: This native of Asia derives its name from the Chinese term 'ought to return.' Dong Quai is one of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese medicine. Extremely bitter roots are said to be of poor quality.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 21, 2002