• used to correct irregular or absent menstruation, to relieve the pain associated with menstruation, and to relieve premenstrual syndrome
• used to relieve menopausal symptoms including hot flashes
• used for anaemia
Dong quai is arguably one of the oldest and most established therapeutic agents used within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing model. It is considered to be a tonic that can strengthen and invigorate the whole individual or specific organ groups. While dong quai exerts its tonifying action on many sites, it is classically considered to be one of the major ‘blood’ tonics often used to ‘build the blood’. Even though it has numerous applications, it was considered to be of particular importance in the management of ‘female’ conditions, such as menopause and dysmenorrhea.
Drawing on his expertise in Oriental medicine, Peter Holmes points out that:
“The net regulating effect on menstruation and PMS of this very versatile remedy is due to several actions: stimulating and relaxing on the uterus, and enhancing both estrogen and progesterone hormonal levels, as required.”
In fact, dong quai’s wide range of applications has prompted well-known naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., ND to class it as an estrogenic alterative .
Dong quai “contains volatile oils which give it its distinctive action and aroma. It also contains Vitamin B12, Nicotinic acid, Vitamin E, and Sucrose. Laboratory tests have shown that [dong quai] consumed raw or with alcohol relaxes the uterus. Used with water, it will tonify the uterus and can stimulate its contraction. It has been found to cause an increase in circulation of blood in the uterus and can result in developing an undeveloped uterus.”
In an illuminating research note, renowned herbalist Alan K. Tillotson adds that, “Pharmacological studies done on dang gui’s reputed blood-forming properties show that its polysaccharides ‘could obviously promote the proliferation and differentiation’ of various blood components, including blood growth factors.”
Administration:
20-40 drops (0.7-1.3ml), three to four times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are taking anticoagulant medications. Consult a health care provider prior to use if you are suffering from diarrhoea, hemorrhagic disease, bleeding tendency or very heavy periods, or acute viral infections.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic/ Highest Quality
Dong Quai
(Angelica sinensis) |
