Dong Quai

In Asia, angelica’s reputation is perhaps second only to ginseng. Angelica is generally regarded as a ‘female’ remedy, used in such conditions as dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, metorrhagia, and menopausal symptoms. Angelica is also used in the treatment of abdominal pain, anemia, injuries, arthritis, migraine headache, and many other conditions.

• Dong Quai's PHYTOESTROGEN ACTIVITY 

• Dong quai possesses: 400 the estrogenic effect of human estrogen. Plant estrogens have an alternative effect by competing with estrogen for binding sites. If oestrogen levels are low, they can exert some estrogenic effect. If levels are too high, they reduce overall levels by occupying binding sites.

• Dong Quai's TONIC EFFECTS 

• Dong Quai has shown uterine tonic activity and in animals has shown an increase in uterine weight, increase of the DNA content of the uterus and liver and an increase of glucose utilisation by the liver and uterus.

• Dong Quai's ANALGESIC ACTIVITY 

• Dong quai possesses pain-relieving and mild tranquillising effects and has been shown to have analgesic effects 1.7 times that of aspirin in one study. Its benefits in relaxing smooth muscle and analgesic effects supports its use in such conditions as uterine cramps, trauma, headaches, and arthritis.

• CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTION 

• Dong quai has demonstrated significant hypotensive effects, largely due to its vasodilator activity. The coumarin compounds found within the herb are coronary vasodilatory, spasmolytic, and cyclic-AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitory properties. The effect mimics that of calcium channel blocking drugs used for hypertension and angina. Anti-arrhythmic effects have also been noted.

• SMOOTH MUSCLE RELAXANT 

• Calcium channel blocking compounds are also capable of relaxing smooth muscle in various organs, including the intestines, bronchials, vascular system, and uterus.

• Dong Quais ANTI-ALLERGY effects

• Dong quai has a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of a variety of allergic symptoms. This effect may be particularly helpful in atopic conditions where immunoglobulin E (IgE) is 3-10 times greater than normal individuals. Examples of use include sensitivity to pollen, dust, animal dander, and food.

• Dong Quai for IMUNE SUPPORT 

• the coumarin and polysaccharide compounds of angelica have been shown to have immune-modulating activity. They have been shown to possess mitogenic activity to B-lymphocytes, increase murine IL-2, stimulate the reticulo-endothelial system, increase interferon producing activity and complement activating.

• ANTI-MICROBIAL 

• Dong Quai has been shown to have antibacterial activity against gram-negative and positive bacteria, although other herbs have a much stronger anti-microbial effect.

Dosage

100-500mg standardised extract or 1-2g of powdered root daily. Best taken with food.

Potential uses for Dong Quai.

Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), amenorrhoea (lack of menstruation), metorrhagia (too frequent menstruation), PMS, uterine bleeding, menopause, food/respiratory/skin allergies, anemia, relieves constipation by lubricating the bowels, infertility. Has been shown to be useful in abnormal protein metabolism due to chronic hepatitis or hepatic cirrhosis. Overall female tonic.