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Name
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Angelica
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Biological
Name
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Angelica
archangelica, Angelica sinensis
Carrot family, Umbelliferae
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Other
Names:
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Angelica,
dong-quei, dong-quai, tang-kuei or dang-qui, dong quai in China.
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Parts
Used
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Roots,
only the hips of the root, up to the head is used.
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Active
Compounds
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Coumarins,
bergapten, linalool and borneol.
Traditionally, dong quai is believed
to have a balancing or adaptogenic effect on the female hormonal system.
Contrary to the opinion of several authors, dong quai does not qualify as
a phytoestrogen or have any hormone-like actions in the body. A large part
of its actions with regard to premenstrual syndrome may be related to its
antispasmodic actions, particularly on smooth muscles.
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History
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Legends
says that angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the deadly
bubonic plague.
In China, angelica has been used for
several thousand years to treat many kinds of female problems. In
traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is often referred to as the
"female ginseng." It is often included in prescriptions for
abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow, painful or difficult
menstruation, and uterine bleeding. A traditional use of dong quai is for
hot flashes associated with perimenopause. Dong quai is also used for both
men and women with cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure
and problems with pe-ripheral circulation.
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Remedies
For
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Appetizer,
carminative, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
Angelica is useful
for:
Fibrocystic breast disease
Menopause
Premenstrual syndrome
Angelica is described as a herb with
"an affinity for the female constitution". It is good for
treating anemia and weak glands, regulating monthly periods, correcting
hot flashes and vaginal spasms (PMS), and assisting women through the
difficult transition of menopause. It is never given to women during
pregnancy.
The upper part of the root is
considered a great blood builder. The tails of the root is used in
emergencies as a blood clot dissolver after serious accidents or for
expelling the afterbirth that has failed to appear. The coumarins in
angelica are valuable medication for reducing high-protein edemas, such as
swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphedema). It is also used for treating
psoriasis accompanying arthritis.
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Description
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Angelica
is a biennial or perennial herb that is found in countries such as the
".
Chinese consider angelica (dang-qui)
second only to ginseng.
This plant is commonly found in well
watered mountain ravines, riverbanks and damp meadows. Its stem is round,
grooved, hollow, branched near the top, tinged with blue. The plant grows
to 3 to 7 feet. The leaves grow from dilated sheaths that surround the
stem. The plant produces greenish-white flowers in June to August followed
by elliptic-oblong fruit that is composed of two yellow winged seeds.
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Dosage
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The
powdered root can be used in capsules, tablets, tinctures, or as a tea.
Many women take 3-4 grams per day. 2 capsules of dong-qui twice or three
times daily for severe female problems. Use less for less severe cases.
Chinese herbalists advise that
for best results, little or no fruit should be eaten while you take dong-quai.
Do not take any other root teas such as ginseng for 2 to 3 hours after
taking this herb. Use vegetables cooked with a slice of ginger to
bring proper balance.
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Safety
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Dong
quai is generally considered to be of extremely low toxicity. It may cause
some fair-skinned persons to become more sensitive to sunlight. Persons
using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or
other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Dong quai is not recommended for
pregnant or lactating women.
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