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Dong Quai

Dong quai is the very premiere female tonic and the queen of the Chinese pharmacopoeia; its place is at the top as one of the most important and well-used herbs in use for women. Dong quai consists of the large root body as well as the smaller root components. The body of the Dong quai root is said to invigorate and nourish the blood while the tail is said to move blood and the head of the root is best to nourish the blood. Still most of the components in the root, head and body are the same

Dong Quai Historical Use

The Chinese medicinal system saw an important connection between women and the blood because of the menstrual cycle. If the blood flows with no obstruction and is neither too hot nor too cold and there is enough, all is well. Menstrual cramps or no period or late periods all meant that the harmony between a woman and the blood had been lost. Dong quai was the restorer of the blood; it could build it up and make it move restoring balance, which meant that the natural harmony could return. Even when a woman ceased having her period the Chinese herbalist believes that her blood needs to be built up and nurtured and when this was done the menopausal symptoms would be alleviated.

Dong Quai Remedy For

Menstrual cramps
Menopausal symptoms
Irregular menses
Amenorrhea
Headache (connected to the period)
Backache (especially connected to the period)
Endometriosis

Dong quai is said to have a calming effect, relaxing the nerves and Enhanceing to balance the female hormones and is reported to Enhance Disturbance in sleep in both men and women. This herb is said to build up the blood and it is high in vitamins A, E an B12, when the blood is built up a more normal period can return with less discomfort, cramps, headache, and backache. Dong quai can also move the blood so those circulation problems that might be causing menstrual problems can also be resolved. This herb can be important for menopausal symptoms and is said to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
The herb is also reported to lower blood pressure in men and women.

Dong Quai Active Constituents

Dong quai contains many active principles that account for its many useful properties, 6 different coumarins, which have anti-spasmodic and vaso-dilating properties. This allows the herb to relieve the spasms of menstrual cramps and stimulate blood flow. Osthol is another substance present which is a central nervous system stimulant. Ferulic acid and ligustilide are said to account for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This herb also contains 2 substances mentioned in one reference as carcinogenic, safrole and psoralen.

Dong Quai Typical Dosage

The recommended daily dosage is to take 3 to 4 grams of the dried root. A tea can be made using the dried root, reuse the same dose 2 to 3 times per day. Use enough water to cover the herb and end up with a cup of liquid at the end of preparation. Bring the covered pot to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes then drink and reuse by adding more water.

Dong Quai Side Effects

Dong quai is considered a very safe herb, however pregnant and breast -feeding women should not use this herb and the presence of 2 chemicals one is said to be carcinogenic and one mutagenic is noted at the end of this section. Women who have very heavy periods should not take while menstruating. Also this herb has ferulic acid and other components that inhibit blood clotting so if someone is taking blood thinning drugs they should avoid using or seek professional advice. Lastly this herb has furocoumarins, a photosensitizing component and very fair-skinned persons should be aware that this might make them more sensitive to sunlight so they should avoid or take proper precautions. Also to be considered in taking this herb is the presence of 2 substances one is said to be mutagenic, psoralen and one carcinogenic, safrole.