Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

Chinese Bulk Herbs – Dong Quai (Dang Gui)

Angelica Dang Gui or dong quai is a uterine tonic, reducer of menstrual pain, and relieves the symptoms of menopause. It works for both sexes to relieve pain caused by neuralgia, poor circulation, and arthritis. Angelica has been an herbal remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, and rheumatism.

Latin Name:
Angelica sinensis

Chinese Name:
Dang Gui

Common Names:
Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, female ginseng

Parts Used:
The Root

Properties:
Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic and expectorant properties

Chemical Properties:
Butylidene phhtalide, ligustilide, n-butylidene-phthalide, sequiterpenes, carvacrol, dihyrophthalic anhydride, sucrose, B vitamins, beta-sitosterol.

Cautions:
Do not use Dong Quai if you are pregnant, particularly during the first trimester. Because Dong Quai moves blood, there may be a tendency to increase menstrual flow. Avoid use if there is diarrhea, cold, or flu. Dong Quai may interact with blood-thinning medicines.

Folk Lore:
Chinese folk tale states 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 by making it into a tea.

For over two thousand years, since the writing of the Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica, Chinese herbal medicine has used dong quai to help women return to their natural hormonal and emotional states after the accumulation of toxins and emotional injuries in the energy organ known as the “liver.”

It is thought to strengthen the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, assisting the liver in riding the body of toxins. Dong quai is a plant in the same family as celery, parsley, and carrots. Its long, large, most, oily and fragrant root has a yellow-brown bark and a yellow-white cross section. Greenish roots should not be used.
(Mountain Rose Herbs)

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.