Angelica Sinensis

(Also known as dong quai, dang gui, tang kuei and tang kwei)

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Background

Angelica Sinensis, also known as Dong Quai, Angelica, dang gui, tang kuei, and tang kwei, received its name, according to legend, after an angel revealed herself to a medieval European monk and taught him the medicinal virtues of angelica. Angelica Sinensis, commonly called dong quai, is native to China and has been used there as a medicine for thousands of years.
This herbal remedy botanical, taken primarily from the root (however also sometimes the leaves, stem and seeds are used as a confection and flavoring agent) is now commonly used in North America as well.

Angelica Sinensis has a faint anise-like flavor; that's why the seed oil is sometimes extracted and used as a flavoring. (The leaves of the European species, Angelica archangelica, flavor the liqueur Benedictine.) Angelica Sinensis preparations are readily available in health food stores and many regular grocery stores, and can be used to treat certain gynecologic issues.

Health Benefits of Angelica Sinensis

Angelica Sinensis is used primarily to treat menstrual complaints, such as menstrual pain and scanty menstruation. Studies have shown that Angelica Sinensis is useful in treating other gynecologic complaints as well, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual problems such as cramping and irregular cycles.

Though Angelica Sinensis does not actually contain steroids or hormone molecules, one of its constituents is coumarin. Coumarin is most widely known for its use in preventing blood clotting, but constituents related to it may have numerous actions. Coumarin compounds have an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect, especially on the uterus.

Angelica Sinensis also contains ferulic acid, a pain reliever and muscle relaxer. Indeed, the herb is often used to treat painful menstrual cramps or other cases of uterine spasms. Oddly enough, several studies have shown that Angelica Sinensis acts as a muscle relaxant overall, but before it relaxes the uterus, it stimulates the uterus briefly. The uterus is a muscle, and when Angelica Sinensis stimulates it, its tone improves and it becomes tight and contracts more readily.

All muscles function better when they are well toned, and the uterus is no exception. A well-toned, strong, healthy uterus is less prone to cramps and muscle spasms. In addition to relaxing the uterus, ferulic acid also may relax the heart muscles, lower blood pressure, and calm cardiac arrhythmias (a variation in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat).

Studies also cite Angelica Sinensis’ effectiveness in treating allergies and respiratory complaints. Several chemical agents in Angelica Sinensis may have an antihistamine and antiserotonin effect. Histamine, serotonin, and other substances are released from blood cells in response to something that irritates the body -- such as pollen, dust, chemical fumes, or animal dander -- and causes the symptoms we associate with allergies. An antihistamine curbs these symptoms, thus explaining Angelica Sinensis reported anti-allergy effects.

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