Dong Quai (Angelica sinesis)

Botanical Name: Angelica sinesis

Common name: Dong Quai

Family: Umbellifarea

Parts used: Root

Energetics: Warming, moistening, nourishing, stimulating

Taste: Sweet, Acrid, Bitter

Actions + properties: Anti-inflammatory, antianaemic, antiplatlet, female tonic, mild laxative, antiarrhythmic

Constituents: Phytoesterols, essential oils, many polysaccarides needed for hormonal building blocks, Ferulic acid – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, Z-ligustilide – muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, Polysaccharides – immune-modulating effects, Coumarins – blood-thinning potential.

Description:

The female ginseng, Donq Quai is one of the most powerful female tonics. She has been used for 2,000+ years in TCM for women’s health support. Considered a cherished herb for hormone balancing and promoting overall vitality for women.

• Blood Tonic:

  • Supports production of red blood cells + WBC, blood builder (provides nutrients to the blood), enhances blood circulation (returns the blood to where it belongs, rather than stagnating).

  • Used to treat congealed blood (injuries, swelling, bruising, abdominal pain) and used to treat blood deficiencies (tinnitus, blurred vision, palpitations)

  • Provides many vitamins and minerals to support the blood.

• Uterine tonic:

  • Menstrual Support:

    • Provides regulation when menstrual cycles are irregular, or if cycle is accompanied by emotional distress. High in minerals and B vitamins to support menstrual cycle. Stop taking immediately before and during menstruation.

    • Helps relieve bloat from water retention, soothes and warms uterine pain + rebuilds blood after monthly blood loss.

  • Menopause Support:

    • High in sterols and minerals that reduce hot flashes with repeated use. Do not take if you already tend to run hot.

    • Moves blood and moisture to the pelvis, hydrating bowels and thickening bladder + vaginal walls.

    • Rich in minerals and B vitamins, including liver nourishing iron that stimulates and support the liver during menopause.

    • Reduces blood pressure and promotes healthy blood circulation. Thins the blood as much as aspirin. Helps support the heart and prevent abnormal heart rhythms and can be used in the prevention of atherosclerosis (buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls).

    • High in magnesium can help promote restful sleep.

• Other:

  • Strengthening tonic for those with lack of vitality in order age.

  • Respiratory stimulant clears catarrh and antispasmotic to relieve asthma.

• Contraindications/cautions:

  • Do not take if you have fibroids

  • Do not use during menstruation if bleeding is very heavy

  • Do not take alongside blood thinners

  • Do not take if pregnant