Introduction:

Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai or female ginseng, is a type of herb belonging to the Apiaceae family of plants. This group of plants also includes parsley, carrots, celery and coriander.

Benefits of Dong Quai:

Strengthens bones:

Osteporosis is a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones and an increased risk of breaks and fractures. Though this condition can affect anyone, older women are the most susceptible. This is especially beneficial to menopausal women who have decreased estrogen levels that further makes to bones weak and osteoporotic.

May Reduce Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can lead to symptoms like frequent urination, trouble concentrating, increased thirst and weight loss.  Studies have found that dong quai has a blood sugar-lowering effect and can help promote normal blood sugar levels and prevents adverse side effects.

Prevents heart disease:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death all over the world. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and is usually caused by the buildup of plaque and cholesterol in the arteries, causing them to become narrow and hardened   Dong quai reduces the cholesterol levels and prevents plaque formation and thus prevents coronary heart disease.

Decreases Inflammation:

In times of injury or infection, our body often initiates an immune response to help fight off foreign organisms. Inflammation is part of this normal immune reaction. However, chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Some studies have discovered that dong quai possesses powerful properties that can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic disease.

Alleviates Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a natural decline in the amount of hormones produced by the ovaries as women age. It is typical for women in their late 40s and early 50s to experience menopause.  Side effects of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, hair loss, changes in mood and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Dong quai has a long history as a natural alternative to help alleviate symptoms of menopause.

May Help Treat Depression

Some studies have found that dong quai could have an anti-depressant effect and may have a positive impact when it comes to your mood.

Side effects and precautions:

Dong quai contains coumarin, one of the main ingredients in blood-thinning medications like Warfarin. If you are taking Warfarin or another blood thinner, taking dong quai may increase your risk of bleeding.

You should also be careful about combining dong quai with other natural blood thinners, such as ginger, gingko or garlic. Taking dong quai along with these compounds could increase your risk of bleeding or bruising.

For those who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, taking dong quai is not advisable and may increase the risk of miscarriage. It should also not be taken by those who are breastfeeding, taking oral birth control pills or using hormone replacement therapy.

Additionally, some people may be allergic or sensitive to dong quai. If you have sensitivity to other plants in the same family such as celery, anise dill or coriander, you should not use dong quai.  Side effects of dong quai are rare, but may include difficulty breathing, bloating, and loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or weakness.

Conclusion:

Dong quai is an herb that has been shown to potentially relieve symptoms of menopause and depression, improve heart health, reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar and keep your bones strong.  Historically, it has also been used to treat anemia, improve skin and hair health and decrease menstrual cramps, although current research on these effects is limited.

Those who are breastfeeding, pregnant, trying to become pregnant or taking any hormonal medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy should avoid dong quai.  However, for those entering menopause and looking for a natural way to relieve symptoms, this powerful herb may be just the solution for you.