Angelica Sinensis, commonly known as Dong Quai, is a type of plant and herb frequently used in traditional medicine. Typically, people use the roots of Dong Quai to create tonics and support the improvement of various health conditions.
Essential Information About Dong Quai
1. Introduction to Dong Quai
Dong Quai has the scientific name Angelica sinensis, belonging to the Apiaceae family. This herb is known by various names such as female ginseng, Chinese angelica, and tang kwei.
Dong Quai is a herbaceous plant, growing to a height of approximately 40 to 60 cm, and can reach up to 1 meter when flowering. The stem of Dong Quai is purple, cylindrical, and features longitudinal grooves. The flowers are pale greenish-white and grow in clusters at the top of the plant.
Chemically, Dong Quai contains: essential oils, organic acids, coumarins, polyacetylenes, polysaccharides, amino acids, sterols, vitamins (B1, B12, E), brefeldin, and several trace elements (aluminum, copper, zinc, calcium, chromium, magnesium…).
Dong Quai is often referred to as “female ginseng.” (Image: Internet)
2. Health Benefits of Dong Quai
Why is Dong Quai called “female ginseng”? This herb has numerous benefits for women, such as blood toning, hormone balance, and gynecological treatment. However, Dong Quai is not just beneficial for women; it offers many other health benefits for everyone.
2.1. Benefits of Dong Quai for Women
Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalance is a common issue many women face, leading to problems such as weight gain, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Dong Quai helps regulate hormones by reducing estrogen levels when they are too high and increasing them when they are too low.
Menstrual Pain Relief
Menstrual cramps can be a source of dread for many women, causing persistent, uncomfortable pain and fatigue.
Ligustilide, a component of Dong Quai, has been shown to promote non-specific antispasmodic activity, especially in the uterine muscles, while also improving blood circulation. Thus, by using Dong Quai, women can effectively reduce menstrual pain.
A 2004 study found that 39% of women taking concentrated Dong Quai twice daily reported improvements in their menstrual pain and normalized menstrual cycles.
Ligustilide in Dong Quai effectively alleviates menstrual cramps. (Image: Internet)
Relief from Menopausal Symptoms
Dong Quai can also help alleviate menopausal symptoms caused by anemia or blood stagnation. It can regulate estrogen levels, thereby mitigating menopausal symptoms.
However, as Dong Quai can act like estrogen in the body, individuals with breast cancer should consult their doctor before use.
Skin Brightening
Due to its ability to enhance blood flow, Dong Quai also aids in brightening the skin and treating facial imperfections such as age spots or pigmentation.
2.2. Other Benefits of Dong Quai
In addition to its effects on women’s health, Dong Quai offers other health benefits such as:
Potential in Cancer Treatment
Extracts from Dong Quai have been shown to inhibit the cell cycle and induce cell death in cancer cells. Studies suggest that Dong Quai can destroy cancer cells causing brain tumors, leukemia, and colorectal cancer, although more research is needed for conclusive findings.
A 2011 study indicated that Dong Quai could be effective in reducing the incidence of anemia – low red blood cell count in cancer patients.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Research shows that Dong Quai root has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. The various pharmacological activities of Dong Quai root include boosting the immune system, protecting the heart, and preventing heart attacks by inhibiting smooth muscle inflammation and platelet aggregation.
Furthermore, recent studies have shown that Dong Quai root is effective in treating arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its immune-modulating effects.
Dong Quai proves effective in treating arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. (Image: Internet)
Stroke Prevention
Studies have indicated that Dong Quai root is effective in reducing the size of cerebral infarctions and improving neurological deficit scores. This effect is attributed to its improvement of microcirculation and its anti-platelet aggregation properties, alongside its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Constipation Relief
Oil extracted from Dong Quai root is especially nourishing for the blood and can be used to promote smooth bowel movements. Studies have shown that Dong Quai has a mild laxative effect. Individuals with chronic constipation may experience gradual relief when using Dong Quai regularly.
In addition to these prominent benefits, Dong Quai offers various other effects, such as improving decreased libido in both men and women and aiding in wound healing.
3. Precautions When Using Dong Quai
Although Dong Quai has numerous health benefits, this herb can also cause some side effects. Therefore, when using Dong Quai, individuals should keep in mind:
- People allergic to plants in the carrot family, including fennel, celery, dill, and parsley, should avoid Dong Quai or consult a doctor.
- Dong Quai may interact with certain medications such as contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and topical tretinoin. Therefore, if you are taking any medications, seek your doctor’s advice before using Dong Quai. Additionally, Dong Quai can affect blood clotting when taken with warfarin.
- Dong Quai can stimulate the uterine muscles and may lead to miscarriage. Thus, pregnant women should not use this herb.
- Dong Quai has sedative and sleep-inducing effects, so it should not be used while breastfeeding.
These are the effects of Dong Quai, the herb dubbed “female ginseng,” along with some remedies and potential side effects of this herb. Since this is a traditional medicine, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it for health enhancement.
