Dong Quai Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Dong Quai Root – 100 g ($23.99), 50 g ($14.99), 25 g ($9.99)

Benefits:
Dong quai is sometimes called the “female ginseng.” Although there are few scientific studies on dong quai, it is sometimes suggested to relieve cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms.

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.

Menopause, Menstrual, Migraine, Ovarian Cysts, PMS. Menopause is a natural decline in the amount of hormones produced by the ovaries as women age. It is typical for women in their late 40s and early 50s to experience menopause. Side effects of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, hair loss, changes in mood and an increased risk of osteoporosis. For symptom relief, many women turn to hormone replacement therapy, a type of treatment that provides the same synthetic hormones found in birth control pills. However, these medications can come with their own set of side effects and risks.

Dong quai has a long history as a natural alternative to help alleviate symptoms of menopause. According to one Italian study, dong quai could have an estrogenic effect and may be able to help regulate hormone levels and relieve your menopause symptoms without the use of synthetic chemicals. Another study found that a mixture of dong quai and German chamomile was able to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by up to 96 percent.

Reducing stress, getting more sleep and supplementing with other menopause natural remedies like red clover, black cohosh or chasteberry can also provide relief from menopause symptoms. These are among the most recommended menopause supplements.

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.

Heart. 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.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and is usually caused by the buildup of plaque and cholesterol in the arteries, causing them to become narrow and hardened. Decreasing your cholesterol levels is an effective way to reduce your risk of heart disease and support better heart health.

One animal study showed that treating mice with dong quai for four weeks decreased levels of total cholesterol as well as triglycerides. Another study found that combining dong quai with huang qi, another medicinal plant, reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol levels in rats. Other research has even shown that dong quai may be beneficial for those with high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease. To boost the heart-healthy benefits of dong quai even more, remember to eat a balanced diet and incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.

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, 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 at all.

Bone Building  Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones and an increased risk of breaks and fractures. Though this condition can affect anyone, older women are the most susceptible. This is because menopause causes a decline in levels of estrogen, an important hormone for regulating both bone formation and the breakdown of bone cells. In addition to treating some of the most obvious symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, dong quai may also be useful in preventing bone loss as a result of menopause.

Some research shows that it could help prevent osteoporosis by building up and strengthening bones. One study found that treating bone cells with dong quai extract increased bone cell formation. Another animal study from Korea showed that treating rats with dong quai extract helped preserve bone mineral density. In addition to dong quai, eating plenty of calcium-rich foods, getting regular physical activity and spending a few minutes outside each day to get your fix of vitamin D can all help build up your bones.

Blood Sugar  High blood sugar can lead to symptoms like frequent urination, trouble concentrating, increased thirst and weight loss. Studies have found that dong quai has a blood sugar-lowering effect and can help promote normal blood sugar levels to prevent adverse side effects. A study in the journal Food & Function showed that giving mice dong quai for four weeks decreased both blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone responsible for the transport of sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. When insulin levels stay elevated for long periods of time, it can lead to insulin resistance. This causes your body to stop responding normally to insulin, resulting in a buildup of sugar in the blood.

Another 2016 study also confirmed these benefits on blood sugar, showing that administering dong quai extract to rats on a high-fat diet helped reduce blood sugar levels. Eating plenty of fiber, staying well-hydrated and keeping your carb intake under control are just a few other ways to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Inflammation  In times of injury or infection, your body often initiates an immune response to help fight off foreign organisms. Inflammation is part of this normal immune reaction. However, chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Some studies have discovered that dong quai possesses powerful properties that can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic disease. A test-tube study published in Inflammation showed that dong quai extract effectively decreased the levels of several different inflammatory markers. Another study looked at the effects of dong quai extract on rats and found that dong quai significantly lowered inflammation caused by spinal cord injury. Besides dong quai, eating a healthy diet full of high antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables can also help ease inflammation and make a major impact on your health.

Depression  Some studies have found that dong quai could have an anti-depressant effect and may have a positive impact when it comes to your mood.

A 2016 animal study induced depression in rats by exposing them to mild stress. In response, the rats exhibited a decreased appetite and increased physical inactivity. Interestingly enough, treating them with dong quai altered the activity of a protein in the brain linked to depression and reversed or decreased these depressive behaviors. Another animal study had similar findings, demonstrating that an herbal preparation containing dong quai had clear anti-depressant properties. When used alone or in combination with traditional treatments and natural remedies, dong quai may be helpful for decreasing symptoms of depression.

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:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: 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 with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or 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.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.