DONG QUAI

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) is a perennial plant that is found at high altitudes in the mountainous regions of Japan, China and Korea. The thick, light brown root of the Dong Quai herb has been valued for thousands of years for its vast array of medicinal applications.

HOW DOES DONG QUAI WORK?

Dong Quai increases levels of estrogen (a hormone that plays a key role in several bodily functions) by substituting natural human hormones with plant hormones called phytoestrogens, which have a chemical structure very similar to estrogen.

WHAT IS DONG QUAI USED FOR?

In traditional Chinese medicine Dong Quai has a variety of applications, including use as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, and aphrodisiac. Today Dong Quai is mainly used to treat menopausal symptoms, PMS and menstrual pain and cramping.

Dong Quai relieves these menopause symptoms:

         • Prevents spasms.
         • Sleep disturbances.
         • Relieves menopausal symptoms.
         • Relieves menstrual disorders.
         • Relaxes peripheral blood vessels.

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT DONG QUAI

Dong Quai is great at relieving many menopause symptoms, but Dong Quai has been criticized because it adds artificial hormones to the body. In so doing, Dong Quai can trigger a variety of undesirable side effects, including serious problems like breast cancer.

It is possible to find other alternative treatments which are just as effective as Dong Quai, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.

PROS AND CONS FOR USING
DONG QUAI FOR MENOPAUSE

PROS

Dong Quai relieves menopause symptoms efficiently: This Phytoestrogenic herb is great as a short-term treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms, PMS and menstrual disorders.

Dong Quai is a good alternative to HRT: The phytoestrogens in Dong Quai can compensate for estrogen loss in menopausal women. Dong Quai intake thus has almost the same benefits as HRT, but is less expensive.

Dong Quai has several health benefits besides relieving menopause symptoms: Dong quai is also prescribed for relieving PMS and arthritis, and to lower blood pressure.

CONS

Dong Quai may stimulate breast cancer: Medical studies have revealed that phytoestrogens in Dong Quai may stimulate the spread of breast cancer cells.

Dong Quai causes skin inflammation and rashes: By increasing sensitivity to sunlight. Anyone taking Dong Quai should minimize his or her exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen while taking the herb.

Dong Quai's contraindications: Pregnant women or those taking an anticoagulant should not use Dong Quai.

What herb should women try? Nowadays women are looking for relief from their menopause symptoms with herbs, phytoestrogenic herbs and non estrogenic herbs are good in relieving menopause symptoms, but recent studies show that non estrogenic herbs have cero side effect because they help your body to produce its own hormones instead of introducing hormones like the phytoestrogenic ones.
Click here to learn more about non estrogenic herbs for menopause.