Dong Quai – Wildcrafted – 4oz

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy that is growing more popular here in the Western world.

Why it’s gaining popularity has much to do with the tremendous benefits for both men and women. In fact, dong quai has been touted as a cure for infertility, hot flashes and maybe even cancer.

Nicknamed the “female ginseng” because of its benefits for women, dong quai is also effective for men’s fertility.

Whether you are a man or a woman, here’s what you need to know about dong quai and to improve your health now:

1. Balances estrogen levels. Dong quai is the premier “gynecological regulator.” It has the ability to reduce your estrogen levels if they are too high and can increase them if they are too low.
2. Excellent blood tonic. The blood toning and nourishing effects of dong quai to its amazing vitamin and mineral content. Dong quai contains vitamin B 12, folic acid, folinic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin.Dong quai is helpful after any injury or surgery to replenish your red blood cells and increase blood volume. It’s included in nearly all Chinese herbal blood-building formulas.
3. Treats iron deficiency and anemia. The cobalt in dong quai is thought to increase the hemoglobin content of your blood. (Hemoglobin is the protein in your blood that contains iron and carries oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide from them.)
4. Boosts male fertility. Ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in dong quai, has been shown to improve sperm quality.
5. Essential during and after menstruation. Dong quai is an antispasmodic that eases cramps and other symptoms of PMS. It dilates your blood vessels to increase flow during your monthly cleansing and helps replenish blood after your period has ended.Women who stop taking birth control pills may also find dong quai useful to encourage a regular cycle.
6. Helps you feel happier! Dong quai is effective at reducing anxiety and could be useful to help you combat stress and reduce the severity of mood swings. It has a calming effect on your nervous system and promotes relaxation.
7. Enhances female fertility. Only a generation ago, infertility was rare, but now it takes the average woman up to18 months to conceive. Women often seek the help of expensive fertility specialists and undergo painful procedures when an antifungal diet and an herb like dong quai may be all that are needed.
8. Keeps you beautiful and youthful. Chinese women are known for their age-defying youthfulness, and dong quai may be a big part of it. Dong Quai preserves your natural beauty by encouraging health from the inside out.Dong Quai increases circulation, improves your complexion, and aids detoxification to clear blemishes.
9. Treats alopecia, eczema and rosacea. Dong Quai’s effect on the blood and circulation also prompts healing for common skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, neurodermatitis, pruritis, hives and vitiligo.

WHEN NOT TO USE DONG QUAI

While Dong Quai is considered safe for most people, there are some specific populations who should not use this herbal remedy.

• Women with breast cancer
• During pregnancy or while nursing
• Women with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus
• Men with prostate cancer

DOSAGE

Here at the Meta-Center Chicago we typically put a few slices in our broth as we make soup.  Since Tony specifically eats soup a few times a week he brews it with a few slices of ‘dong quai’, ‘ginseng slices’ and a few other specialty herbs. Also, you can also find him drinking a cup of tea and in this tea you will always find a slice of ginseng and a slice of dong quai as well. 

Tony advises using herbs as you were to drink water, exercise and even breath.  They should be made a part of your every day life in as such you will experience the benefits and harmony that they bring.

SOURCE:

Just as with many of our other whole foods and herbs Tony of the Meta-Center Chicago has brought in family friends that have their own farms here and abroad. Mr. Liu Wu in particular who provides the Meta-Center Chicago with its Dong Quai, Ginseng and He Shou Wu will also be providing wellness services on our website for those who can’t find quality help else where.

References:
– Trickey, Ruth. (2003). Women, Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle – herbal and medical solutions from adolescence to menopause. Crows nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
– Hirata, J. D., Swiersz, L. M., Zell, B., Small, R., & Ettinger, B. (1998). Does Dong Quai Have Estrogenic Effects in Postmenopausal Women? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 53(5), 295-296.
– Huang, L. F., Li, B. Y., Liang, Y. Z., Guo, F. Q., & Wang, Y. L. (2004). Application of combined approach to analyze the constituents of essential oil from Dong quai. Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, 378(2), 510-517.
– Gerner, Zoe & McGuffin, Michael. (2013) Botanical Safety Handbook. Second Edition. Taylor & Francis Group