Can Dong Quai Correct Hormonal Imbalance During Menopause?
Considered the “female ginseng” in Chinese medicine different parts of dong quai are said to relieve specific ailments. The head of the root contains anticoagulant activity, main part of the root is a tonic while the root end propels blood flow. Read on to learn about dong quai and its effect on your hormones during menopause.
Why Dong Quai?
Used for thousands of years in ancient China to treat blood disorders and rheumaism, angelica sinensis or dong quai is commonly referred to as the “female ginseng”, for its balancing effect on the female hormonal system. In addition to alleviating blood disorders, dong quai is said to have many protective hormone like-effects to relieving menopause symptoms. These include:
• Reducing PMS and painful menstruation
• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Painful gastrointestinal problems and cramps
• Fibrocystic breast disease
Dong quai is also widely used by women in China during their reproductive and perimenopausal years, because of its phytoestrogenic activity.
Dong Quai and Your Hormones
Dong quai is known to have estrogenic effects in animals but its effects on humans remain inconclusive Because dong quai possesses estrogen like activity, experts think women with hormone sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine fibroids should not use dong quai.
Side Effects of Dong Quai
Believed to contain estrogen-like compounds, dong quai shou not be taken by pregnant or nursing women or patients with breast cancer. Women with bleeding disorders, excessive menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating or those experiencing unusual bruising should not use dong quai. Additional dong quai can cause photosensitivity so people should limit their sun exposure and wear sunblock if taking a herbal supplement.
Dong quai can either be taken alone or in combination with additional herbal supplements such as chasteberry, black cohosh and licorice.
Hailed as the “ultimate herb” for women dong quai’s restorative properties for rebalancing hormones, restoring conditions of the reproductive system and alleviating menopause symptoms make it the ideal choice of treatment. Before taking any herbal supplements always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional. Click on the follow link to learn about dong quai and its effects during menopause.
Sources
• “Dong Quai”. www.altmedicine.about.com
• “Dong Quai”. www.kcweb.com
