Medical Uses For Dong Quai - Angelica Sinensis
Other Common Names: Angelica, Chinese Angelica, Dan Gui, Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis
Habitat: High ground in cool and damp areas of western and northwestern China.
Dang Gui is a well-known Chinese herb that has been used in the
treatment of female ailments for thousands of years. Its reputation is
perhaps second only to ginseng (Panax ginseng) and it is particularly
noted for its 'blood tonic' effects on women. The root has a sweet
pungent aroma that is very distinctive and it is often used in cooking,
which is the best way to take it as a blood tonic. One report says that
the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of
pernicious anemia.
The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic,
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient,
hepatic, laxative, sedative and peripheral vasodilator. It is commonly
used in the treatment of a wide range of women's complaints where it
regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves period pain and also to
ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. It is an ideal tonic for
women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic. The
water-soluble and non-volatile elements of the root increase the
contraction of the uterus whilst the volatile elements can relax the
muscle of the uterus. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen
and protects the liver. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the
growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteria, Bacillus
typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci.
The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely
used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are Rehmannia
glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora.
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.
Other Common Names: Angelica, Chinese Angelica, Dan Gui, Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis
Habitat: High ground in cool and damp areas of western and northwestern China.
Dang Gui is a well-known Chinese herb that has been used in the
treatment of female ailments for thousands of years. Its reputation is
perhaps second only to ginseng (Panax ginseng) and it is particularly
noted for its 'blood tonic' effects on women. The root has a sweet
pungent aroma that is very distinctive and it is often used in cooking,
which is the best way to take it as a blood tonic. One report says that
the root contains vitamin B12 and can be used in the treatment of
pernicious anemia.
The root is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic,
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, emollient,
hepatic, laxative, sedative and peripheral vasodilator. It is commonly
used in the treatment of a wide range of women's complaints where it
regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves period pain and also to
ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. It is an ideal tonic for
women with heavy menstruation who risk becoming anaemic. The
water-soluble and non-volatile elements of the root increase the
contraction of the uterus whilst the volatile elements can relax the
muscle of the uterus. Its use prevents the decrease of liver glycogen
and protects the liver. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the
growth of various bacteria including Bacillus dysenteria, Bacillus
typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae and haemolytic streptococci.
The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely
used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are Rehmannia
glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora.
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.
- Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985
- Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148
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