Dong Quai Herbarium
Latin Name: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
Common Names: Tang kuei, dong qui, dang gui
Family: Apiaveae/Umbelliferae
Descriptive Characteristics: Chevallier (2016) says it is stout, grows to 6 ½ feet tall. The large green leaves have hollow stems (p. 63). Heinerman (1996) says the stem is highly striated. The leaves and flower umbels can be confused with those of carrots, celery, and parsley (p. 208).
Part of the plant used: root.
Texture:
Color:
Aroma: Fragrant
Flavor: Sweet, acrid, bitter, warm (Petersen, 2009, p. 59)
Constituents: Essential oil (ligustilide, n-butylidene phthalide), phytosterols, ferulic acid, coumarins (angelol, angelicone, osthol, psoralen, bergapten), volatile oil. Osthol may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension. Psoralen and bergapten are photosensitizing. Bergapten, safrole, and isosafrole are carcinogenic. Low molecular weight polysaccharide shows anti-tumor properties. There is conflicting research on phytoestrogenic activity (Petersen, 2009, p. 60-1). Clark (2011) says this is a good source of Vitamin E (p. 187). Chevallier (2016) says voliatile oil (ligustilide, sesquiterpenes, carvacrol), coumarins, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, and ferulic acid (p. 63).
Therapeutic Actions: Anticoagulant, stimulant, anti-platelet, relaxant (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Griffin (1997) calls this a sedative hematonic (p. 220). Clark (2015) says it is a uterine and menstrual stimulant (p. 70). Chevallier (2106) says tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, thins blood, and promotes menstrual flow (p. 63). Bown (1995) says female tonic for the reproduction system and liver, mild laxative, sedative, anti-bacterial, and painkiller (p. 238).
Indications: Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, blood deficiency, purify the blood, hypertension, constipation, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, kidney disease, nerve pain, coronary hypertension, allergy attacks, and liver protection. Topically used for premature ejaculation. It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years with the “yin” profile. Also used for menstrual cramps, irregularity, retarded flow, weakness, infertility, and menopause. Can also help with rheumatism, ulcers, anemia, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis (Ganora, 2009, p. 58-9, 62). Tierra (1998) mentions dang gui (different spelling in Chinese) and chuan xiong combined promote blood circulation. On page 150, he says there are four combinations. The first being by itself where it is called sovereign (remember, Chinese medicine works differently) and is used as a blood tonic. The second has been mentioned already. The third is assistant with peony root which is also for toning the blood. The fourth is assistant with rehmannia root to nourish blood and yin. He continues on page 399 anemia and gynecological problems are also helped with this herb. Griffin (1997) says the Chinese use it for blood building and a female tonic. The cooked root is good for the endocrine system, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, energy, constipation, PMS, menstrual irregularity, menopausal symptoms, and female longevity (p. 220). Groves (2016) says estrogen deficiency which includes help in the first portion of the menstrual cycle, being too thin, anemic, and light bleeding. Fertility issues and anxiety may be included here. It also fortifies iron levels. For women, this is nourishing, energy, and vitality (p. 250). Chevallier (2016) says regulates uterine contractions hence its effectiveness on period pain. It also normalizes the function of the heart and thins blood. Use it for “deficient blood”, anemia, pale complextion, palpitations, lowered vitality, regulating the menstrual cycle, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, circulation, including in the stomach and cold hands/feet, abscesses and boils (p. 63). Bown (1995) says menstrual, postpartum, menopause issues, and anemia. Acupuncture for pain, neuralgia, angina, and arthritis (p. 238). Heinerman (1996) says it stimulates uterine contractions in an orderly fashion which reduces the pain of cramps without having an estrogenic effect. It helps with all gynecological problems caused by “deficient, poor quality, or stagnant blood”. Using decoctions or alcohol extracts, it lowers blood pressure and consuming it demonstrated less plaque in arteries than the control subjects had. The pain it treats is in acupuncture but not for acute pain like sprains, infections or tumors (p. 208-9).
Formulary:
Tierra (1998, p. 434-5)
Ginseng and dang gui wine: general vitality, blood and qi tonic, weakness, lack of energy, promote stamina/endurance, recovery, deficiency ailments, chronic disease, illnesses that involve excess. Do not use with fever, colds, or respiratory ailments.
Chevallier (2016)
Aiding conception (p. 316)
Menstrual problems (p 315)
Dosage:
Petersen (2009, p. 60) may be taken long-term unless otherwise directed
Powder: 4.5 g /day, for menopause
Decoction: 3-15 g of dried root /day
Liquid extract: 1:2, 4-8ml /day
Chevalllier (2016, p. 63)
Tincture: ½ t with water up to 4/day
Chopped rhizome: in soup
Infusion: 1t to ¾ c water up to 2/day
Tonic wine: ¾ cup daily for vitality
Heinerman (1996, p. 209)
Root Powder: 3 capsules/day
Decoction: 2 t grated root to 1 ½ pint boiling water. Simmer 20 minutes. Strain.
Safety: Not safe during pregnancy of breastfeeding. It may be an issue with conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It does not have generally regarded as safe status in the US but is widely available as a supplement and is safe as a food additive (Petersen, 2018, p. 62). Tierra (1998) says not to put more than 3 grams in soup for men, 6 grams for women (p. 399). Clark (2015) says not to use during pregnancy or nursing (p. 70). Gardner (2013) says not to use within seven days of surgery due to a bleeding risk. There is a potential interaction between this herb and warfarin. Do not take with anti-coagulant drugs. There was no genotoxicity discovered and at extreme doses, there is a potential for damage to kidneys but the amount to get to that point is very high (p. 65). Ulbricht (2010) says not to use while pregnant or lactating. It may increase bleeding so do not use with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs. It may cause photosensitivity and it may effect heart medication (p. 299). Heinerman (1996) says not to use if pregnant, with excess menstruation, fever, fast pules, diarrhea, or abdominal distension (p. 201).
Lab, Notes And Media:
Research:
References
Bown, D. (1995). Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses, The Herb Society of America. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 238.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 63.
Clark, D. (2011). Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent's Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses. Healthy Living Publications. p. 187.
Clark, D. (2015). Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding. Book Publishing Company. P. 51, 70.
Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press. p. 65-68.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. p. 220.
Groves, M. N. (2016) Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care. Storey Publishing. p. 150.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 208-210.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 58-64.
Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Chinese Herbs. Pocket Books. p. 149, 150, 187, 399, 321, 434.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. p. 299.
Appendix I: Constituents
Angelol (Coumarin): (Dong quai)
Bergapten (also known as 5-methoxypsoralen) (Coumarin) has been used to treat vitiligio and psoriasis and is phototoxic in lime peel extracts and essential oils. Petersen adds it can cause photosentization and is carcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 95, 210; Petersen, 2018).
Carvacrol (Volatile Oil): is in many plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is a strong antiseptic and has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties as well (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65; Ganora, 2009, p. 135).
Coumarins inhibit aggression but are considered weak. They are phytoestrogenic.
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Ferulic Acid (Polyphenolic Acid) increases phagocytosis (Hoffman, 2003, p. 152).
Isosafrole is carcinogenic (Petersen, 2018). (Dong quai)
Ligustilide (Essential Oil): (Dongquai)
N-butylidene phthalide (Essential Oil): (Dong quai)
Osthol (Coumarin) may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension (Petersen, 2018). (Dong quai)
Phytosterols: mean there is a hydroxyl group attached to the C3 and an extra methyl or ethyl in the side chain. This is what differentiates it from an animal sterol (phyto meaning plant). Ganora says these are soluble in oil. She says these are good for cholesterol, blood lipids, and reduce blood-soluble vitamins in the blood. These are good for enlarged prostates and some are anti-carcinogenic. These also are believed to be responsible for sexual and hormonal toning activities. The major phytosterols which may come up later are beta-sitosterol, campestrerol, and stigmasterol (Hoffman, 2003, p. 83, 143; Ganora, 2009, 44, 46, 64, 69, 91, 92, 134, 145). (Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Flaxseed, Licorice, Rosemary,
Polyacetylenes (Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides) are alcohol-solvent between 40-60% (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 64, 85, 97, 98). Petersen (2018) adds they are anti-microbial (p. 169).
Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).
Psoralen (Coumarin, also called furocoumarins though this is not correct) is photo-sensitizing and is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. It also works against the pathogen that causes tuberculosis. In these treatments, the patient is exposed to this constituent then exposed to UV light (Petersen, 2018; Hoffman, 2003, p. 96, 209-10; Ganora, 2003, p. 111). (Dong quai)
Safrole (Phenylpropanoid, Essential Oil, Terpenes) is found in the essential oil. Some science claims this is carginogenic but when a sassafras tea with the constituent is consumed, it's not. The amount of the constituent probably plays a role here (Ganora, 2009, p. 109
Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard... There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).
Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).
Angelol (Coumarin): (Dong quai)
Bergapten (also known as 5-methoxypsoralen) (Coumarin) has been used to treat vitiligio and psoriasis and is phototoxic in lime peel extracts and essential oils. Petersen adds it can cause photosentization and is carcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 95, 210; Petersen, 2018).
Carvacrol (Volatile Oil): is in many plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is a strong antiseptic and has anti-fungal and anthelmintic properties as well (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65; Ganora, 2009, p. 135).
Coumarins inhibit aggression but are considered weak. They are phytoestrogenic.
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Ferulic Acid (Polyphenolic Acid) increases phagocytosis (Hoffman, 2003, p. 152).
Isosafrole is carcinogenic (Petersen, 2018). (Dong quai)
Ligustilide (Essential Oil): (Dongquai)
N-butylidene phthalide (Essential Oil): (Dong quai)
Osthol (Coumarin) may inhibit platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. May also cause hypotension (Petersen, 2018). (Dong quai)
Phytosterols: mean there is a hydroxyl group attached to the C3 and an extra methyl or ethyl in the side chain. This is what differentiates it from an animal sterol (phyto meaning plant). Ganora says these are soluble in oil. She says these are good for cholesterol, blood lipids, and reduce blood-soluble vitamins in the blood. These are good for enlarged prostates and some are anti-carcinogenic. These also are believed to be responsible for sexual and hormonal toning activities. The major phytosterols which may come up later are beta-sitosterol, campestrerol, and stigmasterol (Hoffman, 2003, p. 83, 143; Ganora, 2009, 44, 46, 64, 69, 91, 92, 134, 145). (Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Flaxseed, Licorice, Rosemary,
Polyacetylenes (Sesquiterpese lactone glycosides) are alcohol-solvent between 40-60% (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 64, 85, 97, 98). Petersen (2018) adds they are anti-microbial (p. 169).
Polysaccharides (Mucilage) activate the macrophages which initiates the body’s defenses against pathogens and cancer cells (Hoffman, 2003, p. 544).
Psoralen (Coumarin, also called furocoumarins though this is not correct) is photo-sensitizing and is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. It also works against the pathogen that causes tuberculosis. In these treatments, the patient is exposed to this constituent then exposed to UV light (Petersen, 2018; Hoffman, 2003, p. 96, 209-10; Ganora, 2003, p. 111). (Dong quai)
Safrole (Phenylpropanoid, Essential Oil, Terpenes) is found in the essential oil. Some science claims this is carginogenic but when a sassafras tea with the constituent is consumed, it's not. The amount of the constituent probably plays a role here (Ganora, 2009, p. 109
Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard... There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).
Volatile oil: Volatile just means they evaporate more quickly than other substances. If it says "volatile", you want to use the plant as fresh as possible and try not to warm it up in any way (Ganora, 2009, p. 52, 57, 61, 134, 139). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oils are what is extracted from the plant to make essential oils and are made of a lot of compounds, sometimes as much as 100 (p. 14).
Appendix II: Therapeutic Actions
Anti-bacterial means it kills bacteria, generally associated with infections.
Anticoagulant means it stops, prevents, or slows the formation of blood clots depending on the strength of the herb.
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Anti-platelet aggregation is a fancy way of saying it reduces the chances of blood clots. There are many ways of saying this. Also seen as anticoagulant.
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Laxatives: There are 3 kinds. Stimulants promote bile and increase digestion. Basically, your stomach works better so the stuff comes out of you correctly. Lithotriptics dissolve kidney and/or gallstones. Lubricants moisten the system and help firm things up for expulsion (without being gross). (Griffin, 1997, p. 10)
Relaxant is the same as sedative, a property of nervines.
Sedative is also self-explanatory. It helps you relax, perhaps even sleep. These are great when you are stressed. Some can be abused so it's better to find an activity that enhances this feeling but the herbs are available if needed.
Sedative hematonic: Simply means it cleans the blood while also being a sedative.
Stimulant is an "action that quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body". These can target particular parts of the body or systems such as the circulatory, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and skin. Even bitters can be stimulants. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 345, 519-21).
Tonics (tonifying) are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
Anti-bacterial means it kills bacteria, generally associated with infections.
Anticoagulant means it stops, prevents, or slows the formation of blood clots depending on the strength of the herb.
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Anti-platelet aggregation is a fancy way of saying it reduces the chances of blood clots. There are many ways of saying this. Also seen as anticoagulant.
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Laxatives: There are 3 kinds. Stimulants promote bile and increase digestion. Basically, your stomach works better so the stuff comes out of you correctly. Lithotriptics dissolve kidney and/or gallstones. Lubricants moisten the system and help firm things up for expulsion (without being gross). (Griffin, 1997, p. 10)
Relaxant is the same as sedative, a property of nervines.
Sedative is also self-explanatory. It helps you relax, perhaps even sleep. These are great when you are stressed. Some can be abused so it's better to find an activity that enhances this feeling but the herbs are available if needed.
Sedative hematonic: Simply means it cleans the blood while also being a sedative.
Stimulant is an "action that quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body". These can target particular parts of the body or systems such as the circulatory, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and skin. Even bitters can be stimulants. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 345, 519-21).
Tonics (tonifying) are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
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