Dong Quai, Cut & Sifted (Angelica sinensis) – Dried Herb, Organic

Dong Quai, also known as Tang-Kui, Dandg Gui and Chinese Angelica Root, is a perennial herb that grows in high altitudes that are cold and damp. Native to China, Japan and Korea its roots are harvested in autumn and have been used as traditional medicine for thousands of years. Don Quai is a member of the Apiaceae family which includes Fennel, Anise and Celery.

The Chinese phrase “Dong Quai” translates to “state of return”. According to an ancient Chinese folktale, an angel appeared to a monk in a dream and told him to use Dong Quai to cure the plague that was ravaging the country.  In Chinese Medicine, Dong Quai Root is commonly referred to as “female ginseng”. Occasionally, the Root has been used traditionally in small amounts as a spice to add a unique flavour to culinary dishes.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dong Quai is used to strengthen the Qi or vital energy especially in women. TCM practitioners have used Dong Quai traditionally to treat women’s reproductive support such as menopause, painful menstruation, regulating the menstrual cycle, to strengthen the uterus, for post-partum nourishment and to support circulation and strengthen the blood. Don Quai is said to nourish the liver to build healthy blood for the reproductive system.

It is traditionally used for situations of stagnation such as PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. In TCM Dong Quai has been used for cardiovascular conditions, osteoarthritis, inflammation, headache, infections, mild anemia, fatigue and high blood pressure.

Dong Quai has also been used in Native American, Ayurvedic and Kampo medicine as a cure for conditions like anemia, heart disease and high blood sugar.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Dong Quai are acrid, bitter, warm, moistening and tonifying. Dong Quai has an affinity to the heart, circulatory system, reproductive system, digestive system, liver and musculoskeletal system.

For a women’s uterine tonic combine Dong Quai with Raspberry Leaf, Lady’s Mantle, Motherwort, Ginger Root or Rosehips. For a tea to nourish the blood combine Dong Quai with Yellow Dock, Nettle Leaf or Hibiscus.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Dong Quai to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

Dong Quai is a natural blood thinner and should not be taken with blood thinning medications like Warfarin.

For those who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, taking Dong Quai is not advisable because it may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Dong Quai should not be used with hormone replacement therapy.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.