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.
Active Compounds
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.
History
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 was 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.
Description
Angelica is a biennial or perennial herb
that is found in in countries such as UK, Lapland and Iceland. In
folklore, it is touted as "a protection against contagion, or
purifying the blood and for curing practically every conceivable maladies".
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.
Dosage
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 medication.
Use vegetables cooked with a slice of ginger to bring proper balance.
Safety
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.
M
