CONTENTS

• Chinese angelica - a handful of information
• Chinese Angelica - Nutrients
• Dong Quai - general characteristics
• Dong Quai and Menopause
• What other illnesses can angelica be helpful for?
• Chinese angelica - side effects and dosage
• Summary

Dong quai, or Chinese angelica, is a plant that has been known for centuries, especially in modern-day Asia. It certainly sounds a bit exotic and mysterious. But don't let its appearance fool you. It's also known as female ginseng. This is no coincidence. This plant has several health-promoting properties that are especially important for women. Curious? We invite you to read the article about this plant, little known in Europe.

Chinese angelica - a handful of information

Chinese angelica (Angelica sinesis) is a plant native to Asia. It grows naturally in China. It belongs to the celeriac family, which resembles carrots or celery. People in China, Korea, and Japan dry the roots for medicinal purposes. Dong quai has been used as an herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. It is rich in phytochemicals that are able to gently regulate female hormonal levels, thus improving a woman's well-being. In Chinese medicine, don quai is a plant recommended for women's complaints associated with painful menstruation, menopause, and the postpartum period.

Chinese Angelica - Nutrients

Chinese angelica contains many active ingredients such as furocoumarins, coumarins, organic acids, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and phytosterols. It also contains essential oils. Minerals include magnesium and iron. Other nutrients found in abundance in angelica root are vitamin B12 and folic acid. Both vitamins, when consumed in the recommended daily amounts, prevent the onset of anemia due to their deficiency, but also positively improve the health of people diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia. It should be noted that vegetarians and vegans are at risk of deficiency in this vitamin, as vitamin B12 is found practically only in meat. For this reason, supplementation is recommended when using the above-mentioned dietary methods.

Dong Quai - general characteristics

Chinese angelica is especially popular with women, and for good reason. It supports the body's function, especially during menopause. It has a calming and anesthetic effect, which helps relieve menstrual pain. Because it contains many substances that are beneficial for women, it regulates their hormonal balance. It contains coumarin, which helps dilate blood vessels, affects the nervous system, increases blood flow throughout the body, and relaxes the uterine muscles. It can also be used as an aid in regulating the menstrual cycle. It also has a positive effect on the nervous, muscular, and cardiovascular systems.

Dong Quai and Menopause

Chinese angelica is especially recommended for women in perimenopause. Thanks to several properties, it can help them get through this period. It relieves hot flashes and hormonal imbalances that are common during menopause. It can also reduce feelings of irritability. It also influences optimal vaginal hydration and reduces vaginal dryness. Many women during this time also suffer from excessive hair loss due to estrogen deficiency. Dong quai can be an effective remedy for this condition. By regulating hormonal balance, it is very likely to reduce this pattern. The first changes women notice at this time are the onset of irregular ovulation cycles, increased and prolonged bleeding, pain, and changes in the breasts. Dong quai can be effective in regulating these disorders. In addition, it can have a positive effect on restful, deep sleep and relieve symptoms such as dizziness or irritability. It has also been shown to reduce the severity of migraines.

What other illnesses can angelica be helpful for?

Dong quai can also be used as a supplement for athletes and physically active people. Thanks to the coumarin it contains, it dilates blood vessels, thus improving blood circulation. This has a positive effect on muscles, as well as the proper functioning of other organs. It can increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. This allows much more oxygen to reach the tissues, which is particularly important for the prevention of anemia. The positive effects on the cardiovascular system don't end there. Angelica extracts can also lower HDL cholesterol levels. Dong quai strengthens the body's immunity, improves vitality, and provides energy.

The digestive system also benefits from the use of angelica. It has choleretic properties that facilitate the digestion of fats. An interesting fact may be the fact that angelica has the ability to increase breast size. This is likely related to the regulation of hormone levels, but also to improved blood circulation. Please note that these are not very spectacular effects. Nevertheless, this effect has been confirmed by studies.

Chinese angelica – side effects and dosage

Today, Chinese angelica is a readily available plant. We can find it in pharmacies, herbal shops, and even online stores. It is most commonly found in the form of capsules, tablets, or various extracts. However, it is much more difficult to obtain in the form of the root itself or its powder, but it is possible. Standard therapy involves doses of 3 to 15 grams of this plant. The duration of treatment itself varies between 3 and 6 months.

The first side effect of using angelica is definitely diarrhea. However, this only occurs in cases of overdose. Sensitization of the skin to sunlight is much more common. This trait is present in almost all people who take dong quai preparations. When using it, creams with UV filters must be used, especially in the spring and summer months. This will certainly prevent discoloration and sunburn.

This herb should be strictly avoided by anyone suffering from diabetes or blood clotting problems. Allergies to this plant are also common, so allergy sufferers should also be careful. Especially those allergic to celery, parsley, cumin, and anise.

Summary

Chinese angelica and ginseng have a lot in common. It's not called female ginseng for nothing, so it's no exaggeration to say that there aren't many herbs so strongly dedicated to the fairer sex. Although it's not a medicine, its use is worth considering, especially during perimenopause or in cases of hormonal issues. However, exercise caution when using it. It's best to consult your doctor before deciding to start supplementing with dong quai.