Dong Quai

Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis

Also known as: Female Ginseng, Chinese Angelica

Historical Background

Dong Quai is often called the premier "women's wellness herb" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese women are known for their age-defying vitality, and Dong Quai may play a significant role in supporting this wellness. The herb has been used for thousands of years to support women's health throughout all life stages.

Nutritional Profile

Master herbalists attribute the blood-nourishing effects of Dong Quai to its impressive vitamin and mineral content. The herb contains:

  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid
  • Folinic acid
  • Nicotinic acid
  • Biotin
  • Ferulic acid (a powerful antioxidant)

Traditional Uses

Hormonal Balance: Dong Quai is recognized for its ability to support balanced hormone levels. It may help support estrogen balance - providing support when levels need balancing in either direction. This makes it valuable for supporting women through various life transitions.

Blood Health and Vitality: Dong Quai is considered an excellent blood tonic. It's traditionally used to:

  • Support healthy blood nourishment
  • Help replenish after monthly cycles
  • Support healthy iron levels
  • Aid recovery after any physical stress
  • Support hemoglobin content in blood

The cobalt in Dong Quai is thought to support the hemoglobin content of blood, which carries oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide.

Menstrual Wellness: Dong Quai is traditionally essential during and after menstruation. It supports:

  • Comfortable monthly cycles
  • Ease during monthly transitions
  • Blood flow during monthly cleansing
  • Replenishment after monthly cycles
  • Regular menstrual rhythm (especially helpful after discontinuing birth control)

As an antispasmodic, it supports comfort and ease during monthly cycles.

Menopausal Support: The herb's ability to support hormone balance aids in easing transitions during menopause and supporting overall comfort during this life stage.

Fertility Support: Dong Quai has been traditionally employed to support female reproductive wellness. In past generations, conception challenges were less common, and traditional herbs like Dong Quai were valued for supporting natural fertility.

Mood and Emotional Wellness: Dong Quai is effective at supporting emotional balance and may help with daily stress. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and promotes relaxation, which can support balanced mood throughout monthly cycles and life transitions.

Male Wellness: Ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in Dong Quai, has been studied for its support of reproductive wellness in men.

Beauty and Youthful Vitality: While Dong Quai is considered excellent for supporting feminine vitality, it also supports natural beauty from within. It:

  • Supports healthy circulation and radiant complexion
  • Aids natural detoxification for clear skin
  • Supports skin wellness

Skin Wellness: Dong Quai's effect on blood and circulation supports healing for various skin comfort needs. Traditional use includes supporting skin health and comfort.

Properties

Blood tonic, hormone balancing, antispasmodic, circulatory support, supports women's wellness, calming, beauty-supporting, antioxidant.

How to Use

As a Supplement: Dong Quai is typically taken in capsule or tablet form. Traditional dosing is 1-2 capsules daily with meals. Follow product label instructions.

As a Decoction: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root is often simmered in water to make a nourishing tea.

In Traditional Formulas: Dong Quai is often combined with other supportive herbs in traditional women's wellness formulas.

As a Tincture: Liquid extracts are available for convenient dosing.

Available Forms: Dried root, powder, capsules.

Key Traditional Applications

Dong Quai has been traditionally used to support:

  • Hormonal balance throughout life stages
  • Women's reproductive wellness
  • Comfortable monthly cycles
  • Menstrual comfort and ease
  • Blood replenishment after monthly cycles
  • Regular menstrual rhythm
  • Menopausal comfort and transitions
  • Female fertility support
  • Blood health and vitality
  • Healthy iron levels
  • Mood balance and emotional wellness
  • Stress resilience and calm
  • Healthy circulation
  • Radiant complexion
  • Skin wellness and comfort
  • Natural beauty and vitality
  • Overall women's health

Important Notes

Traditional Women's Herb: While primarily used for women's wellness, the herb may have applications for men's reproductive health through its antioxidant content.

Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant and nursing women should not use Dong Quai as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Those with hormone-sensitive health concerns should consult with a healthcare practitioner before use.

Blood Thinning: Dong Quai may have mild blood-thinning effects. Those taking blood-thinning medications should consult with a healthcare provider.

Sun Sensitivity: Dong Quai may increase sensitivity to sunlight in some individuals. Use sun protection when using this herb.

Dong Quai is best used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine for optimal wellness support.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products.