Dong quai herbal supplement as alternatives for hormone replacement therapy

Dong Quai has long been respected as one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine. Used for centuries throughout Asia to regulate female hormones and support the reproductive system, this powerful herb has earned a reputation as an excellent all-purpose tonic for any gynecological complaint.

Throughout the western world, Dong Quai was aptly referred to as the “female ginseng” after researchers compared its beneficial effects on the female reproductive system to those reported in males who took Ginseng.

Dong Quai, or Chinese Angelica as it is often called, is abundant throughout China, Japan and Korea. This aromatic perennial thrives on the riverbanks, coastal regions and mountainous areas where the climate tends to be cold and damp. The hollow stems of Dong Quai average about eight feet in length. Fragrant umbrella-shaped blossoms can be seen in July and August, with each elegant, greenish-white flower, resembling those of Queen Anne’s Lace. This plant is listed in the celery family, and takes three years to reach maturity, at which time its thick, yellowish-brown roots are harvested for their considerable healing properties. Often people prefer to eat this strong smelling root raw and report it has a very pleasant, sweet taste.

Much used as the Traditional Chinese Medicine for its therapeutic properties, it has seeming ability to regulate hormone levels and relieve menstrual problems, including those of PMS. In Western society, almost 75 percent of women experience some or all of the typical menopausal symptoms, including; aches, pains, hot flashes, bloating, cramps etc, making this pungent herb invaluable. Although there have been many positive studies on the overall effects of the Dong Quai, only a handful have actually looked into the claims of its estrogenic effects on the female body; and only one of those was conducted in the US. This particular 24-week study involved 71 postmenopausal women, and measured marked changes in endometrial thickness, maturation of vaginal cells and changes in menopausal symptoms. It was concluded that Dong Quai is no more helpful in regulating estrogen levels than the placebo some participants received.¹

This is not to say however, that Dong Quai is not supportive in this regard. Researchers further concluded these results might only bring to light the importance of using Dong Quai in combination with other related herbs, such as Black Cohosh, Siberian Ginseng or Chaste berry

The traditional Chinese herbal medicine has great potential for the alternatives for hormone replacement therapy in women.

Dong Quai with other herbs if taken as Herbal Tea can serve as a special medication for females. The medication is quite effective for maintaining the normal gynecological functions: to regulate female hormone, cycles, alleviate cramps and mid-life hot flashes. Dong Quai in fact is quite effective for female hair growth stimulation in pre-menstrual women.

Probably the most potent medicinal constituents of Dong Quai are the seven different derivatives of coumarin identified within the root. Anyone who has ever suffered from a blood clot will undoubtedly know that Coumarin (or Warfarin) is a very powerful drug used to thin the blood (vasodilator) and increase blood-clotting time. It is also a drug that requires constant monitoring and precise dosage delivery in order to avoid excessive bleeding. The natural vasodilators found in Dong Quai work by stimulating the nervous system and stimulating blood flow throughout the body, slowing the pulse rate and improving circulation. Coumarins are also known to contain antispasmodic properties, which would account for this herb’s proven ability to ease menstrual cramps and pain by relaxing the muscles in the uterus. Coumarins may also be responsible for the cases in which people have reported lowered blood pressure. One Chinese study in particular, also reports that using Dong Quai immediately following a stroke may decrease the extent of brain damage, an often-resulting side effect.²

Dong Quai has been used in China for years to help with such conditions as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), blurred vision, heart palpitations and angina. The root contains several important vitamins including, Niacin, VitaminB12, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Iron which explains why the Chinese have revered Dong Quai for centuries as a preventative for anemia and as a general tonic to nourish the blood. Researchers believe the high levels of Vitamin B12 found in Dong Quai account for the herb’s apparent ability to stimulate red blood cell production. This increase in cells, resulting in an elevation of oxygen levels in the blood, would certainly explain the reported feelings of renewed energy levels.

Although further research is necessary, there are consistent reports of Dong Quai’s usefulness in elevating oxygen utilization within the liver³, hence as a possible treatment for hepatitis and cirrhosis. Interestingly, research has shown Dong Quai to also be an effective antibacterial agent for many strains of microorganisms, including Candida albicans.⁴

The uses for Dong Quai seem limitless. And although studies continue with varying results, this herb, second only to ginseng in popularity in the East, continues to be used as a treatment or in conjunction with other herbs to treat such things as; weakness after childbirth, constipation, shingles, allergies, Rheumatoid arthritis, fibroid breast tumors, ulcers, and chronic nasal or sinus problems. Chinese medicine suggests that different parts of the root will have varying effects. For instance, it is believed that the anticoagulant properties of Dong Quai are associated with the top of the root, while the end is more useful for blood stagnation.

Dong Quai, when taken as prescribed, is considered to be very safe. Obvious precautions however, are for those already taking blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin or herbs such as ginger, feverfew, garlic, licorice, Chinese skullcap, Asian ginseng and turmeric, also considered vasodilators. As well, in the case of pregnant or lactating women, always consult a health practitioner prior to use.

Possible side effects of Dong Quai are few but one noticeable complaint is increased photosensitivity in those taking the herb for extended periods of time. It is therefore recommended, that fair-skinned people in particular, avoid prolonged sun exposure and avoid other herbs such as St. John’s Wort, which also increase sunlight sensitivity.

Dong Quai can be bought in a number of forms. In Japan and China, it is commonly used in hospitals and doctor’s offices as an injection for a number of problems. In North America however, it has only been approved for sale as a tablet or capsule (powder), tincture, dried herb/tea or softgel. The prescribed amount will obviously vary according to the reason for taking Dong Quai, but average recommendations are between 500-600 mg per day in capsule form or 40- 80 drops, three times per day, as a tincture. It is important to remember when selecting a particular brand of Dong Quai, to look for those that include an extract concentration of between 0.8 percent to 1.1 percent ligustilide, believed to be the main medicinal ingredient.

References:

1. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, Small R, Ettinger B. “Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial”. Fertil Steril. 1997 Dec; 68(6):981-6.
2. Liao JZ, Chen JJ, Wu ZM, Guo WQ, Zhao LY, Qin LM, et al., “Clinical and experimental studies of coronary heart disease treated with Yi-qi Huo-xue injection” J Tradit Chin Med. 1989;9(3):193-198.
3. “Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China”, The World Preservation Society, Inc. 1993, 1995.
4. Herbal Tonic Therapies, Daniel B. Mowrey, PhD, Keats Publishing, Inc. 1993.