Dong Quai and Menopause

Dong quai is an herb originating from China that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gynecological disorders. News of the roots� medicinal properties spread to Europe in the late 1800s and there they used an extract of Dong Quai called Eumenol for these same purposes.

Today there is a revived interest in the root as women look for a natural remedy to ease menopausal symptoms. More women are shying away from pharmaceutical options or expensive hormone replacement therapy due to the serious side effects that come with such treatments.

Continue reading to find out about how Dong quai is used to treat menopausal symptoms.

Dong Quai for Menopausal Women

Though extensive research needs to be carried out into Dong quai's real curative properties, current studies suggest that the herb contains phytoestrogens (a component that mimics or acts as an antagonist to estrogen) that bind to estrogen receptors and increase estrogen levels in the body. This, in turn, helps to reduce some of the many menopausal symptoms that are problematic for women today.

Common Menopausal Symptoms:
1. Hot Flashes
2. Night Sweats
3. Irregular Periods
4. Loss of Libido
5. Vaginal Dryness
6. Mood Swings
7. Fatigue
8. Hair Loss
9. Sleep Disorders
10. Difficulty Concentrating

During menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly which results in the onset of side effects such as mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats, to name but a few. The hormone estrogen is responsible for regulating many things in the female body and without it, other hormones cannot function properly.

It is necessary to replace estrogen to prevent these problems. Scientists and doctors continue to examine whether or not the apparent phytoestrogenic properties found in Dong quai can help do so.

Lots of women believe in the healing properties Dong quai. Menopause causes many side effects which are a real burden to women and impact on their daily lives. Dong quai gives women hope that these can be overcome and reports show that the herb can offer relief from hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Dong quai use is not for everyone, but those contemplating it should speak to a health care provider or trained nutritionist before taking this herb as there are potential side effects.

Non-estrogenic herbs can also alleviate menopausal symptoms and, because they do not produce side effects, women are encouraged to consider these as a treatment first. Read more about non estrogenic remedies in the following article.