For thousands of years, dong quai has been cultivated as a treatment for numerous female disorders.
In fact, in the Orient, it is called the "female ginseng,” where it has been used to treat conditions such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (an absence of menstruation) and menorrhagia (abnormal menstruation).
It Helps Regulate Menstrual Problems
Dong quai has been used for centuries in China to regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and ease menstrual cramps.
Chinese herbalists frequently recommend using this herb combined with other herbs for gynecological disorders.
Some of the conditions it may be helpful with include: premenstrual syndrome, pain in the pelvic region, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea.
It’s beneficial actions are because it contains large amounts of chemicals known as curmarins.
It seems that coumarins act to relax uterine muscles in a woman’s body, explaining why they are useful in relieving painful menstrual cramps.
Examining its chemical makeup, it has been found to possess at least seven different coumarin derivatives, which function as anticoagulants, vasodilators and anti-spasmodic agents in the human body.
It may also provide relief from the symptoms of menopause, including blurred vision, dizziness, cramping, insomnia and osteoporosis.
It is Considered an Excellent Tonic
Dong quai is considered an excellent tonic. A tonic is a medicine that strengthens and invigorates the entire body.
Herbal tonics help improve the overall vitality of an individual, and help improve immune system and hormonal system functions.
Tonics are very gentle stimulants that provide numerous nutrients the body needs.
In China, it is the second most popular herb, second only to Licorice, where millions of women take it daily as a blood purifying tonic.
It Can Regulate High Blood Pressure
As dong quai contains large amounts of coumarins, it may be effective in lowering high blood pressure, due to its vasodilator action.
However, when first taking this herb you may see an initial rise in your blood pressure levels, followed by a decline in them. Chinese herbalists sometimes prescribe this herb for other cardiovascular conditions as well.
Dried root – take one heaping teaspoon added to a cup of boiling water, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup of this mixture three times a day.
Tincture -- take 30 to 60 drops three times a day.
Raw herb -- take 1 to 5 capsules as directed on the bottle three times a day.
Cautions
Side effects associated with this herb are rare, but include: allergic reactions, bleeding, blood in the stool, diarrhea, fever, sensitivity to the sun or upset stomach.
On a more serious note, a study published in 2002 reported that dong quai encouraged the growth of breast cancer cells. Women that have estrogen sensitive conditions (certain types of cancer, endometriosis and fibroids) should avoid taking this herb altogether.
Conversely, two groups of researchers in the United States reported in 2003, that it apparently suppresses the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
It is not recommended that you take this herb if you're taking anticoagulant and anti-platelet medications such as Coumadin, as dong quai appears to increase risk of bleeding. Also, it is not recommended you take this herb if you're taking herbs that thin the blood such as feverfew, garlic, ginger, licorice and turmeric.
Finally, if taken simultaneously with St. John's wort, it may also increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
There have been other studies indicating it may cause birth defects in laboratory animals.
It is also not recommended that pregnant or lactating women take it.
This herb has a long history as a treatment for numerous female complaints, especially in Oriental countries. It is also a very popular invigorating tonic in these countries.
However, I would advise you to use caution when taking this herb, as there is always a possibility it might promote the development of cancerous cells, due to their coumarin content.
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For thousands of years, dong quai has been cultivated as a treatment for numerous female disorders.
