Dong Quai - Help For Menopause And MenstruationA Herb Which Countless Women Praise To The skiesThis herb is commonly referred to as Chinese Angelica or dong quai, pronounced 'Dong Kwy', its other common names include Dang Gui and Tang Kuei. As the Latin name suggests, this herb is connected with the Angelica species which are all members of the carrot family. In its native country, China, dong quai is the next top selling herb to licorice, where millions of women are reputable to take it every day as an vitalizing and blood purifying tonic. The term 'female ginseng' is frequently utilised by herbalists when talking about dong quai and its tonifying properties. Because the Chinese do not tend to suffer from menopause symptoms, they do not use this herb for menopause generally. In the West, dong quai is used almost exclusively to help balance hormones and for menopause.What Is A Tonic?In many traditional systems of healing, such as, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tonic herbs are thought to be the 'absolute nectar' of remedies and are highly in demand.
Christopher Hobbs, a widely respected Herbalist, writes very highly of tonic herbs; "Tonics are very gentle and slow stimulants, and they provide nutrients that the body can use, such as vitamins, minerals and very many other constituents like plant pigments, eg anthocyanins or flavonoids. Large quantities can be given without harm of overstressing cells, tissues, organs or body systems." www.healthy.net/hwlibraryarticles/search/tonics1_s.htm Uses Of Dong QuaiI have already alluded to the invigorating effects of Dong Quai, this is singularly true for it's actions on the female reproductive system and menopause time and during the normal monthly cycle. Its ability to regulate and normalise hormonal imbalances means that this herb can be immensely worthwhile in alleviating symptoms asscociated with PMT, infertilty and the menopause. Some of the chemical ingredients of Dong Quai include vitamin B (nictonic acid, folic acid, vitamin B12), and vitamin A. Dong Quai can benefit monthly periods;
Menopause - Dong Quai can help correct;
In TCM Dong Quai is, foremost, a blood tonic used to nurture the blood and invigorate the blood circulation. The interlinked acupuncture meridians are the Liver, Heart and Spleen. DosageDried Root - one heaped teaspoon in a cup of water, gently simmmered for 20 minutes, dose: half cup 3 x daily. Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack of a Dong Quai product being used.
If you do aid from dong quai, continue using it for 3-6 months, then reduce the dose by half for a few weeks. If the improvements are maintained, leave off altogether. If symptoms persist, return to the previous dosage, and continue for a further 2-3 months and try to reduce again. If symptoms keep returning, talk to a company who offer unlimited free advice or seek the help of a qualified practitioner in alternative medicine as it appears that a fundamental imbalance is not being addressed. CombinationsYou may also see Dong Quai with other herbs in combination products. Sometimes a combination of herbs will be more effective than a single herb. There are a number of proprietary examples of formulations for women which include dong quai. You may also find dong quai combined with other traditional Chinese herbs. Find a product which works for you - either the single herb or a combination of herbs - and then continue with it for a full course of treatment. Other herbs which can really help in menopause include agnus castus, motherwort and red sage. In menstruation, the formula by american herbalist Dr Christopher has produced excellent benefits for many women over 40 years. Look here for a version of this valuable herbal menstrual aid. CautionsDo not take dong quai during pregnancy; and it would be judicious to avoid it when taking any other product or drug which affects the female hormone system - such as HRT or the contraceptive pill. Dong quai can stimulate menstrual flow, therefore it is considered best to avoid its use with heavy menstrual flow or flooding. Keeping A Record Of Your HealthAs always where your health is concerned - keep a record of how you are feeling when taking a supplement such as Dong Quai or a Dong Quai combination. This will help you to check the success or otherwise of the supplement. Dong quai is certainly one of the major herbs to help women with periods or menopause. ResourcesHerbs: Articles: |
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