Dong Quai (Angelika or Dudnik Chinese)- is one of the most effective herbs that tonic the reproductive function of the female body. It tones and strengthens the uterus, regulates hormones, and normalizes the menstrual cycle. In Asia, Dong Quai also affects women’s health, similar to that of ginseng on men’s.
Dong Quai is a perennial plant characterized by having a cylindrical and branched root, with many rootlets, which is why it is also known as female ginseng. Its stem is purplish green and branches out at the top, where the flowers grow. The petals of the flowers can be red, white, or violet, although this last shade is less abundant.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Dong Quai Extract is associated with a positive effect on the circulatory system. It is useful for women with scanty periods if they go with a large gap, or when feeling weak during and after menstruation (in traditional Chinese medicine this is called a blood deficiency). Also, when taking Dong Quai, an increase in the number of red blood cells was observed.
Dong Quai is traditionally used for stagnation (PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids), as it increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, reducing stagnation and pain.
How does Dong Quai work?
Angelica Root increases blood flow to the pelvic organs, which will naturally correct the situation with scanty secretions. It also nourishes the blood with minerals for iron deficiency and anemia. Angelica Root helps to return menstruation! Enhanced blood circulation also contributes to the health of the uterus.
Dong Quai Extract has a relaxing effect on the uterus and nervous system. Relaxation of the nervous system, respectively, facilitates the course of PMS. This herb has a calming effect as well as the well-known herbs used for relaxation- lavender, chamomile, and valerian root.
Properties and benefits of Dong Quai
The part of the plant that is used in traditional Chinese medicine is the root. Gynecological discomfort, fatigue, mild anemia, and high blood pressure are some of its most common uses. Besides, Angelica Root is, along with some yeasts and microalgae, one of the few sources of vitamin B12 that are not of animal origin. The Dong Quai Extract is also rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B3, niacin, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Its main phytochemicals are coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antispasmodic effects.
Benefits of Dong Quai for women
The Chinese Angelica or Dong Quai Extract is an ideal plant for women. Thanks to its properties, this plant is used to treat many discomforts and conditions. Their medicinal properties are well known and appreciated for women’s disorders. It is used to treat premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, symptoms of menopause and climacteric, infertility, and, in general, for everything related to female hormonal changes:
- As a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, it helps reduce menstrual pain. Its effects increase if combined with stinging nettle.
- Being very rich in iron helps to fight the mild anemia that can occur with heavy menstruation
- It favors the production of progesterone a, a hormone that decreases with menopause, which relieves suffocation and vaginal dryness at this stage.
- It is effective in controlling mood swings caused by the decrease of female hormones.
In fact, in Asia, its use is so widespread that it is introduced as part of the usual diet. The root is used in a similar way to ginseng. Combined with other plants, such as St. John’s wort, nettle, sagebrush, and sage, Angelica Root increases its benefits in everything related to menstruation disorders and menopause.
Dong Quai applications
Women mainly know Dong Quai Extract applications, but the uses of Angelica Root go much further. This plant, which can be ingested, taken as an infusion, or used topically, that is, applied directly to the skin, is used to relieve and control many other disorders and conditions.
Not only do women use this plant to treat problems related to hormonal production. Angelica Root is considered an invigorating reproductive organ of both men and women. In the case of women, it is used to promote fertility.
In the case of men, many use a mixture of Angelica Root with other plants to prevent premature ejaculation. It is applied via genital topical in a formula that combines medicinal plants such as ginseng, damiana, Torlidis seed, clover flower, or cinnamon, among others. In stores specialized in Phytotherapy, it is possible to find this type of preparation already formulated as an easy-application cream.
