Benefits Of "Dong Quai"
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Dong quai tones the blood and invigorates the circulatory system, acting on conditions such as palpitations, abdominal pain, and traumatic injuries. Also helps in the treatment of female problems such as hot flashes, menopause, PMS, and vaginal dryness. It increases the effect of ovarian / testicle hormones. Balances estrogen levels and boosts male fertility. Used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat gynecological ailments, fatigue, mild anemia and high blood pressure. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative actions. Also used as an aphrodisiac. The name dong quai translates to “return to order”. Other actions of this herb include alterative, diuretic, emmemagogue, and oxytocic. (For definitions of these actions see "Defining The Actions Of Herbs".) Eumenol, an extract of dong quai, became popular in Europe in the late 1800s as a treatment for gynecologic complaints. Only recently has dong quai resurfaced due to its estrogen like properties. STUDIES: There is little human evidence supporting the effects of dong quai for any conditions; for few clinical studies have been done. What studies that have been done examined combination formulas containing multiple ingredients in addition to the dong quai, making it difficult to determine which ingredient may cause certain effects. Dong quai is generally believed to be nontoxic; however, this herb may interact with blood thinning drugs and could increase sensitivity to the sun. Therefore; as with all herbal nutrition supplements, dong quai supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications. CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT: Alcohols, cadinene, carotene, carvacrol, isosufrol, essential oil, safrol, sesquiterpenes, sucrose, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B12, biotin, folic acid, linoleic acid, calcium, copper, fructose, GABA, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, protein, selenium, silicon, sodium and zinc. GROWING Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Its an aromatic herb found in damp mountain ravines, river banks and costal areas of Japan, Korea, and China. Dong quai has greenish - white flowers that bloom from May to August growing any where from three to six feet. The roots of this plant are harvested in the fall after three years of cultivation and stored in airtight containers prior to processing. DONG QUAI |
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