Dong Quai

Angelica sinesis



Description: Dong quai is a Chinese herbal remedy made from the root of Angelica sinensis, a large plant in the carrot family. It is often called "female ginseng," because it is a general tonic for women and the female reproductive system in much the same way that ginseng acts as a tonic for men and the male reproductive system.

Composition: Contains analgesic compounds: cymene, falcarindiol, falcarinol, ferulic acid, scopoletin. Contains approximately six coumarin derivatives which includes osthol.

Properties: Analgesic. Antiallergic. Antiinflammaotry. Antiseptic. Antispasmotic. Hypotensive.

Actions: Coumarins exert vasodilatory and antispasmodic effects. Osthol acts as a central nervous system stimulant. The extracts of the plant may have immunosuppressive activity. Decoctions of Angelica sinensis may inhibit the release of prostaglandin E2.

Uses: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for gynecologic problems (dysmenorhea, hot flashes, menstrual pain, muscular cramps, PMS).

Folk Uses: Amenorrhea, anemia, cancer of esophagus, cervical cancer, constipation, dysmenorrhea, menoxenia, thrombosis, tranquilizer, tumor of lung, tumor of nose, uterotonic, virucide. Historically used as an antispasmodic and used to manage hypertension, rheumatisms, anemia, and constipation.

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy.

Cautions: Furcocumarins, psoralen, and bergapten can induce photosensitization and cause photodermatitis. There is not firm evidence that it is dangerous to ingest plants containing psoralens. It is important, however, to be aware of the potential toxicity. Safrole, an ingredient of the essential oil, is carcinogenic and not recommended for ingestion.

Side Effects: Components of Dong Quai have the potential to cause problems ranging from photosensitization to skin cancer.

Administration: Dong quai is available in the form of encapsulated extracts. It is a good general remedy for female dogs who lack energy. I recommend using 1 capsule of dong quai once or twice a day for female dogs over 5 years of the age.