Term definitions: carminative: relieving flatulence; Stomachic: promotes appetite or digestion; Diuretic: increase flow of urine; Diaphoretic: induces prespiration(sweating); Compress: a towel soaked in medicine that's pressed on to body to relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, and prevent infection; Decoction: liquid extract from boiling plant material
This species is scientifically known as Angelica sinensis. The plant is commonly referred to as Dong Quai or Female Ginseng. This herb is literally a pharmacological gold mine. It produces some fascinating phytochemicals which are basically medicinal chemicals. Phytochemistry is what helps us to understand the pharmacological activity behind plants. When you hear someone mindlessly rant about how there is no science behind holistic medicine, feel free to inform them about phytochemistry.
Long before modern scientific inquiries into plant based medicine, cultures around the world had already obtained the knowledge of natural medicine. The Native Americans are a prime example of this. They utilized Dong Quai ( Angelica sinensis ) for its carminative, stomachich, diuretic, and diaphoretic properties. [1 (Rain 1990 184)] It contains the complex medicinal alkaloids known as phellandrene and coumarin, among many others.[1 (Rain 1990 184)] Each individual constituent has its own arsenal of medicinal benefits. There are plenty of academic journals online which expose this great truth. I can't help but wonder why there are still people in this world who argue otherwise.
Nature has always provided the sustenance required to sustain life. Even the animals we eat, eat vegetables, which are plants and herbs. There's no way around the great truth that plant life is required to sustain complex biological systems on this planet and maintain healthy symbiotic functions in such life-forms. They are literally part of the cycle of life. Plants convert co2 into oxygen for us to breath. As we can see, the benefits are astronomical and these herbs are part vital to life on this majestic planet.
Dong Quai and other medicinal plants were the original pharmacy of ancient medicine men and women. The Native Americans discovered that the raw root material could be mashed, and made into a compress for bronchitis. [1 (Rain 1990 118)] When dried, it was steeped in tea for appendicitis, liver health, spleen health, for colic, kidney health, as a diuretic, and for asthma.[1 (Rain 1990 118)] I've even tried experiments where I would add liquid botanical extracts so soap and shampoo for external use, and the results I found were astounding.
When preparing Dong Quai in a decoction, the root should be thoroughly mashed or powdered. Add a drop of oil to the water to prevent it from boiling over. Cook it with the lid on top so that any volatile oils and alkaloids are not quickly lost in the evaporation process. Once the water begins to boil, reduce to a simmer immediately. Cook about 10-20 minutes. Allow it to cool before taking the top off so you don't loose anything via the steam.
The natural symbiosis between all life under the biosphere is an undeniable paradigm. The information required for plants to produce these same medicinal alkaloids time and time again is innate within their DNA ( Deoxyribonucleic acid ). This genetic schematic enables the plant to utilize organic resources made available by its environment, and convert organic materials into staggeringly complex pharmacological treasures. The truth is, Dong Quai is one of many medicinal plants that inhabits our incredible planet that we call Earth.
This page only details the Native American applications for Dong Quai. There are so many more medicinal uses that it has been utilized for throughout history. Don't feel like you've learned everything there is to know about it yet. Stay tuned for more articles related to this herb and others from me in the near future. A Native American friend of mine suggest using it with Mullein and other mucilage containing herbs.
Caution: It's not advised to consume this herb for long periods of time. Dong Quai may also increase the effects of a pharmaceutical drug known as warfarin which may increase the risk of bleeding. Precautions, interactions, possible side effects, and dosages are very important with any kind of medications. Consult your healthcare provider before use. Warning Do NOT USE DONG QUAI IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BEAST FEEDING!
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