Herb Finder
Add Herb Finder to Your Website!
Update Your Account Information
Dong Quai | | Name : | Dong Quai | | Synonyms : | Choraka(Sanskrit name)
Dangqui (Chinese name)
Tang-kuei(Chinese name)
| | Parts Used : | Roots | | Description : | There are many varieties of wild angelicas growing in the mountainsthroughout North America. One of these, A. brewerii, found in theCalifornia Sierras, is a promising substitute for dong quai.
The common garden angelica (A. archangelica)has the emmenagogue blood-moving properties of dong quai, but lacksthe degree of sweetness necessary for tonics as dong quai has.
The stubby whitish-gray roots are usually from 2-4 inches long andhave a very distinctive pungent odor. | | Constituents : | Alcohols, cadinene, carotene, carvacrol, isosafrol, 0.2-0.3% essentialoil, safrol, sesquierpenes, 40% sucrose, and vitamins A, B12, andE.
Blood tonic, emmenagogue, sedative, analgesic, laxative, tonic, diaphoretic,antispasmodic | | Uses : | Dong quai has been named the 'female ginseng'. It is an all-purposeherb for a wide range of female complaints.
Used in the treatment of female problems such as hotflashes, menopause, PMS, andvaginal dryness. It helps women to resume normal menses after goingoff 'the pill.' Increases the effect of ovarian/testicular hormones.Treats all gynecological complaints; it regulates menstruation andtreats dysmenorrhea, andamenorrhea. It reduces highblood pressure and is good for tinnituscaused by blood weakness, blurred vision and palpitations. It promotesblood circulation and thus relieves the painof injuries. May prevent anemia;is a blood tonic forboth men and women. Used for dryness of the bowels causing constipation,colds, flu,arthritis, rheumaticpain. | | Dosage : | It is essential that the roots be stored in a dry place, otherwisethey tend to soften and spoil. A good quality of dong quai and theChinese method used for preparing the herb results in a potent beverage.Therefore, the Chinese women use it only once or twice a month. Sincethe herb is also regarded as a blood builder, Chinese healers recommendthat for conditions of anemia the herb broth should be taken moreoften until the blood becomes normal, and thereafter only once ortwice a month (for nourishing the female glands).
Place 4 cups of water in a large Pyrex or enamelware container. Donot use aluminum; even stainless steel may not be used for this particularherb. Add a few pieces of lean raw chicken or beef and one small dongquai root, or half of a large one. Cover loosely and bring to a boil.Reduce heat, then allow the herb broth to cook slowly for severalhours or until the liquid is reduced to 1 1/2 cups. Strain and drinkthe broth warm.
Infusion: 1 oz. root simmered in 3 cups of water for 30 minutesalong with a little fresh ginger. Take 1 day per week as a uterinetonic. | | Safety : | Avoid use during pregnancy and if there is bloating, abdominal congestionand conditions caused by wasting. If menses is a heavy flow, avoiddong quai.
Avoid if hypertensive. | | Myths : | The power to prolong life is among the virtues Orientals attributeto ginseng root. Although ginseng may be taken by both men and women,Chinese healers regard it primarily as a 'man's herb' whereas thefemale equivalent of ginseng is a root called dong quai.
The best quality of Chinese dong quai root has a strong pungent aromaand taste. Korean dong quai is very mild and can be taken more oftenduring the day. Only the hips of the root, up to the head, are ingeneral use. The upper half is considered a great blood builder. Thetails of the root are used under the direction of Chinese herbalistsfor emergency purposes only, to dissolve blood clots resulting fromserious accidents and for expelling afterbirth that is difficult todeliver.
Dong quai has been used in China for ages. The Chinese claim it hasremarkable powers for nourishing female glands, rebuilding blood,and helping to delay the symptoms of old age in women.
One of the most widely used herbs in the Orient, dong quai duck isa popular Cantonese dish. | | Nutrient : | Carotene, sucrose, minerals and vitamins A, B12, and E. | | Sold : | Available in most health food stores and herb shops.
Capsules: take 1 capsule for up to 3 times a day.
Roots |
|
|
