Dong Quai
angelica sinensis L.
angelica polymorpha L.
Umbelliferae
Umbel family

Common Names
Choraka (Sanskrit name)
Dang qui (Chinese name)
Tang-kuei (Chinese name)

Parts Usually Used
Roots

Description of Plant(s) and Culture
There are many varieties of wild angelicas growing
in the mountains throughout North America.
One of these, A. brewerii, found in the California Sierras,
is a promising substitute for dong quai.
The common garden angelica (A. archangelica) has
the emmenagogue blood-moving properties of dong quai,
but lacks the degree of sweetness necessary
for tonics as dong quai has.
The stubby whitish-gray roots are usually
from 2-4 inches long and have a very
distinctive pungent odor.

Warning
Avoid use during pregnancy and if there is bloating,
abdominal congestion and conditions caused by wasting.
If menses is a heavy flow, avoid dong quai.
Avoid if hypertensive.

Medicinal Properties
Blood tonic, emmenagogue, sedative, analgesic,
laxative, tonic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic

Biochemical Information
Alcohols, cadinene, carotene, carvacrol, isosafrol,
0.2-0.3% essential oil, safrol, sesquierpenes,
40% sucrose, and vitamins A, B12, and E.

Legends, Myths and Stories
The power to prolong life is among the virtues
Orientals attribute to ginseng root.
Although ginseng may be taken by both men and women,
Chinese healers regard it primarily as a "man's herb"
whereas the female equivalent of ginseng
is a root called dong quai.
The best quality of Chinese dong quai root
has a strong pungent aroma and taste.
Korean dong quai is very mild and can be taken
more often during the day.
Only the hips of the root, up to the head,
are in general use.
The upper half is considered a great blood builder.
The tails of the root are used under the direction
of Chinese herbalists for emergency purposes only,
to dissolve blood clots resulting
from serious accidents and for expelling afterbirth
that is difficult to deliver.
Dong quai has been used in China for ages.
The Chinese claim it has remarkable 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 is a popular Cantonese dish.

Uses
Dong quai has been named the "female ginseng".
It is an all-purpose herb for a wide range
of female complaints.
Used in the treatment of female problems
such as hot flashes, menopause, PMS, and vaginal dryness.
It helps women to resume normal menses
after going off "the pill."
Increases the effect of ovarian/testicular hormones.
Treats all gynecological complaints;
it regulates menstruation and treats
dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea.
It reduces high blood pressure and is good
for tinnitus caused by blood weakness,
blurred vision and palpitations.
It promotes blood circulation and thus
relieves the pain of injuries.
May prevent anemia; is a blood tonic
for both men and women.
Used for dryness of the bowels causing
constipation, colds, flu, arthritis, rheumatic pain.

Formulas or Dosages
It is essential that the roots be stored in a dry place,
otherwise they tend to soften and spoil.
A good quality of dong quai and the Chinese method
used for preparing the herb results in a potent beverage.
Therefore, the Chinese women use it
only once or twice a month.
Since the herb is also regarded as a blood builder,
Chinese healers recommend that for conditions of anemia
the herb broth should be taken more often
until the blood becomes normal, and thereafter
only once or twice a month
(for nourishing the female glands).

Place 4 cups of water in a large
Pyrex or enamelware container.
Do not use aluminum;
even stainless steel may not be used
for this particular herb.
Add a few pieces of lean raw chicken or beef and one
small dong quai 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 several hours or until the liquid
is reduced to 1 1/2 cups.
Strain and drink the broth warm.

Infusion: 1 oz. root simmered in 3 cups of water
for 30 minutes along with a little fresh ginger.
Take 1 day per week as a uterine tonic.

Nutrient Content
Carotene, sucrose, minerals and vitamins A,
B12, and E.

How Sold
Available in most health food stores and herb shops.
Capsules: take 1 capsule for up to 3 times a day.



SOURCE(S)
"A Modern Herbal"

"The Herb Book"
by John Lust



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