Dang Gui: All purpose women’s herb

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

In many multivitamins for women today, Dang Gui (当归) or Angelica Sinensis, features strongly as one of the key ingredients. Also known as Chinese Angelica Root, Dong Quai, or Tang Kuei, Dang Gui is highly respected in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is also called the female ginseng and is an excellent all purpose women’s herb.

Commonly used to treat women’s reproductive health issues, Dang Gui is a blood revitalizing tonic which helps to improve blood circulation as well as recommended to help prevent and treat some forms of cardiovascular disease.

Dang Gui is said to help balance women’s hormone levels, both restraining and supplementing the body’s production of estrogen. It is often used to regulate the menstrual cycle, ease premenstrual pain and generally treat menstrual and menopausal symptoms, including migraine, cramps, mood fluctuations, and hot flashes. It is also said to help speed a woman’s recovery from childbirth and symptoms of low energy or chronic fatigue.

Women who are under the pill can also consume this Chinese herb to regain their normal menstrual cycles. However, Dang Gui should not be used during menstruation, as it can stimulate too much bleeding. Therefore, women with heavy menstrual flow should not use Dang Gui at all. And very important, pregnant women should not take this herb because it may encourage menstruation and cause miscarriage.

Dang Gui is also known to cause diarrhea in some people, so those with gastrointestinal problems should also avoid this medication. In addition, people who are taking blood thinners should consult a doctor before taking this herb as it may increase the effects of these drugs.