Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) is a herb of remarkable versatility, being useful for purposes as varied as regulation of female reproductive hormones, cardiovascular problems, stimulation of the immune system and intestinal problems.

Phyto-oestrogen effects

Plant oestrogenic substances or phyto-oestrogens are substances similar in composition to human oestrogen. They are capable of increasing oestrogen activity if too low, and decreasing it if too high.

This seems unbelievable, but the effect is based on the fact that phyto-oestrogens have roughly 1/400th of the activity of human oestrogen. If human oestrogen is very low, they are able to produce at least some activity. If it is too high, they reduce the overall level by occupying a high proportion of the oestrogen receptor sites in the body. Because of their much lower activity, they reduce the overall level. As many ladies' problems are caused by either too high or too low a level of oestrogen, Dong Quai can help in both situations. It can therefore help for problems during menstruation and menopause, particularly hot flushes.

Cardiovascular Effects

Angelica has significant hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects, largely due to its ability to dilate blood vessels, particularly the coronary vessels. It also relieves spasm in the arteries. It appears to have these effects because of calcium channel blocking; a number of drugs now used for hypertension and angina work this way. It may also help arrhythmia.

Smooth Muscle Relaxing Activity

Calcium-channel blocking compounds are also capable of relaxing the smooth muscles of internal organs, helping in intestinal and uterine cramps. This could also explain angelica's blood pressure reducing effect (arteries contain smooth muscle) and its historical use in treating bronchial spasm problems.

Analgesic Activity

Studies have shown Dong Quai to have 4-7 times the pain-relieving effect of aspirin. This, combined with its smooth muscle relaxing activity, may explain its usefulness for conditions such as uterine cramps, headaches and arthritis.

Anti-Allergy and Immune Activity

Dong Quai has long been used in China and Japan to prevent and treat allergic symptoms in sensitivities to a very wide range of allergens; food, pollen, animal dander, dust etc. It appears to inhibit the production of allergic antibodies (IgE) in a selective manner. In patients with allergic conditions, levels are 3-10 times normal, so reduction of these levels is obviously of benefit.

A group of chemicals called coumarins, present in angelica, stimulate white blood cells and increase their ability to destroy foreign particles, and also to enter foreign growths and destroy them.

To summarise, Dong Quai can help:

¨      PMS; irritability, nervous tension, fatigue, depression, cramps, aches and pains.

¨      Menopause; hot flushes, depression, and the symptoms noted under PMS.

¨      Allergy; could be very useful for all types of allergy, including those of the respiratory system.

¨      Immune System

Please Note

Although Dong Quai is useful for female reproductive problems, it is equally effective for men for such problems as allergy, intestinal spasms, respiratory tract problems and immune system improvement.

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