Dong Quai Powder - 4 oz.

DONG QUAIDong quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a tonic for the female reproductive system. In fact it ranks just below ginseng as the most popular herb in China and Japan although its effectiveness has yet to be substantiated by conventional Western standards. Dong quai is derived from the gnarled root of the Chinese perennial Angelica sinensis and the root of the native Japanese A. acutiloba. Both species have eight-foot hollow stems graced by umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. When in bloom the blossoms resemble Queen's Anne lace a botanical cousin. Common names for the herb include angelica Chinese angelica dang gui and tang kuie. Interestingly European and American angelica species (A. archangelica and A. atropurpurea) are used medicinally as well but for a different constellation of symptoms altogether none of them gynecological. Dong quai helps to promote uterine health and regulate the menstrual cycle. Some researchers contend that active ingredients called coumarins are responsible for its effectiveness.Specifically dong quai may help to: Relieve PMS and menstrual irregularities. Dong quai's reputation as a female tonic rests largely with its ability to reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and regulate the menstrual cycle.Reduce the pain of endometriosis. Dong quai works well in combination with chasteberry to restore the hormonal imbalances that can cause the often severe pain of this disorder.Minimize menopausal symptoms. In combination with herbs such as black cohosh chasteberry and Siberian ginseng dong quai appears to be useful for controlling hot flashes and reducing vaginal drynessCautions Don't take dong quai if you're pregnant or nursing. Limit your exposure to the sun when taking dong quai especially if you are fair-skinned; it contains substances called psoralens that can react with sunlight to cause a rash or severe sunburn.