Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), The Female Ginseng

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Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), The " Female Ginseng "

 

Also known as Chinese Angelica, has been used for thousands of years in

traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine. It remains one of the most

popular plants in Chinese medicine, and is used primarily for health conditions

in women. Dong quai has been called " female ginseng, " based on its use for

gynecologic disorders such as painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic

pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, and fatigue/low vitality. It is also

given for strengthening xue (translated as " the blood " ), for cardiovascular

conditions/high blood pressure, inflammation, headache, infections, and

neuropathic (nerve) pain.

 

 

In Traditional , Dong quai is most often used in

combination with other herbs. Within the Chinese medical framework,

Dong quai is used as a component of formulas for liver qi stasis and

spleen deficiency. It is believed to work best in patients with a yin

profile, and is considered to be a mildly warming herb. Dong quai is

thought to return the body to proper order by nourishing the blood

and harmonizing vital energy. The name Dong quai translates

as " return to order " based on its alleged restorative properties.

Dong quai is used for it's estrogen-like properties.

 

Dong guai is best used in synergy with other herbs in a formula. One

of the characteristics of Asian herbology is that most herbs are used

in prescriptions with 3 or more additional herbs. There are sometimes

10 or more herbs in a single prescription. Many assistant herbs

cooperate with a major ingredient (or chief herb) in a combination to

produce a better effect on one particular organ or condition. The

chief herb " rules " the prescription and has the primary effect on the

dis-eased condition. The assistant herbs help to synergistically

increase the effect of the chief herb, to treat an illness, as well

as, " supervise " the function of other herbs.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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