Angelica Sinensis (DONG QUAI)
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), which is also known as dong quai has been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine. It remains one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine and is used primarily for health conditions in women. This plant is called "female ginseng" for its use is given in gynecological disorders like painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness and fatigue / low energy. It has also been used for the revitalization of xue (which translates loosely as "the blood") for cardiovascular disease / hypertension, inflammation, headaches, infections, and neuropathic pain (nerve). In late 1800, an extract of dong quai is called Eumenol became popular in Europe as a treatment for gynecological conditions. In recent days, has revived interest in dong quai for the approach of weak estrogen-like properties it owns. However, it remains unclear if Dong quai has the same effects of estrogen in the body, blocks the activity of these or does not present any significant hormonal effect. The results of animal studies are contradictory and in any relevant tests in humans have found short-term effects similar to estrogen in the body. In Chinese medicine, dong quai is used most often in combination with other herbs. Within the Chinese medical framework, Dong quai is used as a component of formulas for liver disease, balance qi deficiency and deficiency of the spleen. It is believed that presents a better effect profile in patients with a yin, and is considered a mild warming herb. It is believed that the body returns dong quai the correct order to invigorate the blood and harmonizing vital energy. The name Dong quai translates as "return to order" for the alleged restorative properties he owns. Although the dong quai has many uses as theoretical and historical studies in animals, there is little evidence supporting the effects of dong quai for any condition. There have been few trials, most of which are designed poorly or have produced negligible results. Most of these studies have examined combination formulas of multiple ingredients in addition dong quai, which makes it difficult to determine which ingredients can cause certain effects.
