Dong quai: properties, what it is and what it is for

What is dong quai and what is it for?

Thousands of Asian women use the chinese angelica as natural remedy to combat various gynecological disorders. Also known as dong quai or dang gui, the angelica sinensis It is part of the group of plants that “nourish the blood”, and in some sources it has been defined as “women’s ginseng”, for its prodigious virtues on female health.

From this robust plant that is cultivated in Japan, China and Korea, its countries of origin, the rhizome and the root are usedwhich are collected in autumn.

In its composition stands out the presence of an essence that contains carvacrol, palmitic acid and linoleic acidas well as phytosterols and coumarins.

Dong quai medicinal properties

It highlights its activity as hormone regulator. Is a natural source of phytoestrogensideal to compensate for the reduction or cessation of estrogen generation in pre and post-menopausal women. Among the properties of dong quai, the best known is the ability to regulate the presence of these hormones in the body, stopping it when there is an excess and activating it when there is a deficiency. It shows a remarkable analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effectwhich calms muscle tension and relieves spasms, which is why it is indicated for a wide range of female ailments, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, as well as to ease premenstrual pain and those that occur during the periodincluding the headache, back pain and the Kidneys pain.Also the dong quai stimulates the cardiovascular system and blood irrigation, proving useful to alleviate ailments linked to a poor circulation as chilblains, varicose veins or hemorrhoids.Some sources attribute antibacterial properties to it and as regulator of the immune response. Hence it is useful to prevent infections and bronchial allergies and asthma.

How to take dong quai?

the dong quai can be bought in capsules, powder, tincture and occasionally chopped, for use in decoction.

Angelica tea to improve blood flow

Dong quai is a “heating” plant that activates blood circulation and improves varicose veins and hemorrhoidsthat’s why it is popular in infusion.

To treat these conditions with dong quai in other formats, the following are indicated: following doses:

A level teaspoon of coffee (1g) arranged in juice or natural yogurt 2 times a day.Between 2 and 4 daily capsules of 500 mg each.

Dong quai dosage for hot flashes and night sweats

Dong quai is also valid for treating disorders associated with menopause.

In such a case, they will be taken two 500 mg capsules daily each one, the first upon rising and the second before dinner.

How to take female ginseng to relieve premenstrual and period pain

It is advised to take on an empty stomach a level tablespoon of dong quai powder mixed in water.

Dong quai precautions and contraindications

It should not be taken in case of hypertension and pregnancy.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”