Dong Quai Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Dong Quai Root – 100 g ($19.99), 50 g ($12.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits:
Dong quai has different actions depending on which part of the root is used. The head of the root has anticoagulation properties and the main root serves as a tonic and pain reliever. The tail of the root eliminates blood stasis. Dong quai has antispasmodic effects. It also relieves some, but not all, of the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is used in the treatment of arthritis, chronic kidney inflammation, various blood-vessel disorders, pernicious anemia, and neuralgia. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dong quai is used to treat boils that develop at sites of injury to the skin. It is also used in TCM for treating amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, and fibroid tumors. In addition, it has been used for high blood pressure, rheumatism, ulcers, anemia, allergies, constipation, and to strengthen the uterus before pregnancy. In Japan, dong quai is used as an analgesic, sedative, and nutrient.

Atherosclerosis, heart attack, and high blood pressure. Dong quai teas contain active compounds that prolong the resting period between heartbeats and dilate the coronary blood vessels, increasing coronary blood flow. Together, these actions lower blood pressure. Of additional importance to people at risk for heart attack, dong quai inhibits the release of a chemical in the blood that promotes the formation of clots and starts inflammatory reactions. Experiments with animals have found that dong quai reduces the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on artery walls.

Infertility. One of the chemical components of dong quai, ferulic acid, increases the motility and viability of sperm cells by protecting their membranes from the action of cell-harming free radicals. There is some evidence, however, that ferulic acid increases the risk of free-radical damage to sperm cells in men undergoing chemotherapy with bleomycin (Blenoxane), a cancer chemotherapy treatment sometimes chosen for its relatively minor effects on the immune system.

Leukemia and other cancers. Some herb experts have speculated that dong quai has the potential to protect healthy white blood cells during chemotherapy. Dong quai is known to contain compounds that, possibly when activated by exposure to sunlight as white blood cells circulate to the skin, greatly increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs for leukemia, thereby indirectly sparing healthy cells. One study found that a water extract of dong quai was shown to have estrogen activity. Women at risk for breast cancer should carefully consider the use of this herb, and if you have breast cancer, you should not use it.

Menopause-related problems, menstrual problems, migraine, ovarian cysts, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). One of dong quai’s best-known uses is that of a regulator for the female reproductive system. Some of its compounds stimulate the uterus, while others relax the uterus. The compounds that stimulate the uterus are water-soluble and are absorbed into the body from teas or capsules containing freeze-dried herb. The compounds that relax the uterus have a very high boiling point, are soluble in alcohol, and are provided by tinctures.

There is some agreement among herb experts that this herb helps stop cramping and migraine attacks of PMS, and eases the pain of ovarian cysts. There is less agreement over whether it stops hot flashes. In 2004, the North American Menopause Society stated that there is insufficient evidence that dong quai is superior to placebo for reducing menopausal vasomotor symptoms. In a study completed in 2004, 354 women with two or more symptoms were randomized to three groups: black cohosh; multibotanicals with black cohosh and dong quai and eight other herbs; and soy with the same multibotanicals. After one year, none of the three treatments led to meaningful reductions in menopausal symptoms. However, many women have reported that taking the herb for four to six weeks stops hot flashes related to entering menopause. Most women report that the herb is better for intermittent hot flashes than for unremitting heat. It is reportedly more effective for women who enter menopause after surgery. These women tend to have more severe hot flashes than women who enter menopause gradually. A clinical study at San Francisco’s Kaiser Permanente Center was unable to confirm a benefit of the herb in treating hot flashes, but the investigation was limited to women who had not had surgery to remove their ovaries. Investigations into dong quai’s actions at a chemical level tend to confirm that it can control hot flashes in cell lines but not necessarily in humans. One of the chemicals in the herb stops the production of free radicals of nitric oxide that cause veins to dilate just before a hot flash. In one study, fifty women (ages 44 to 65 years) took dong quai along with other herbs such as milk thistle and red clover and they experienced fewer hot flashes, a reduction in night sweats, and improved sleep quality. However, it is not clear that these actions were attributable to dong quai alone.

Recommended Use
Dong quai is available in a variety of forms—oral, subcutaneous for use in acupuncture therapy, and an intravenous form that is available in China. In extract or tablet form dong quai is usually taken in amounts of 2 to 3 grams two to three times a day. It is important to remember that the compounds in dong quai that stimulate the uterus are water-soluble, and absorbed into the body from all forms except tinctures. The compounds in dong quai that relax the uterus are soluble in alcohol, and are absorbed into the body only from tinctures. It is best to avoid all forms of dong quai during pregnancy and breast-feeding. You should not use dong quai tinctures to treat insufficient menstrual flow, as they will further decrease flow. You should avoid dong quai for thirty days after the first symptoms of a herpes infection or recurrence, as this herb inhibits the body’s defences against the virus.

Dong quai is contraindicated for patients with hemorrhagic disease, excess blood loss during menses, chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or acute infections like a cold or flu. Possible side effects from its use include fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, and increased bleeding. There has been one report of serious bleeding in a woman who was taking warfarin (Coumadin) at the same time as dong quai. The woman recovered one month after discontinuing the herb. People who take prescription blood-thinners should avoid this herb.

Avoid exposure to the sun if you are taking dong quai, as it can cause photodermatitis (an abnormal skin reaction to the sunlight, or more specifically, to ultraviolet [UV] rays). While this effect is very rare, persons taking prescription medications that increase risk of sunburn, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (including captopril [Capoten], lisinopril [Prinivil, Zestril], and fosinopril [Monopril]) for high blood pressure, should avoid dong quai. Also, patients taking benzodiazepines may experience increased muscle relaxation and sedative effects. For those taking testosterone, watch for increased androgenic effects, such as acne, hirsutism, and behavior changes.

Botanical Name: Angelica sinensis
English: Chinese angelica
Also, known as: Oliv, Dried root, Female ginseng, Diels, Dang gui, Tang kuei, Can qui. Chinese Angelica, dangdanggui, dang gui, dong quai, duong qui handanggui, hashyahat almalak, kara toki, langin danggui, min. gui tang kieu tang mai tán quả
Habitat: China, Japan, Korea
Origin: China
Harvested: Wild & Cultivated.
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
Dong Quai root is sweet, pungent, and bitter in taste, and warming in action A fragrant, perennial herb, 1 to 2 m high Stem glabrous and purplish, with light, linear striations Inferior leaves tripinnate; superior leaves often pinnate segments oval, dentate-incised, teeth obtuse.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves ponder and licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.