Dong Quai Menopause and Menstruation Tea

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), also called dang gui, is a tonic herb that helps restore and maintain normal female reproductive function. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbalists have used Dong Quai for over two thousand years for gynecological complaints. Dong Quai helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and menstruation. It can help resolve Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), as well as the root causes of chronic pelvic pain, such as endometriosis, menstrual clots, and uterine fibroids. NutraTea herbalists include Dong Quai in the tea blend NutraMeno. NutraMeno tea is a blend of herbs that help maintain reproductive wellbeing during menstruation and menopause. 

Dong Quai contains:

• Volatile oils called alkylphthalides (like ligustilide)
• Polysaccharides
• Ferulic acid
• Vitamins B12, A, B1, E and biotin
• Amino acids
• Terpenes
• Coumarins & Furanocoumarins (angelol, angelicone and umbelliferone)

Menopause

Dong Quai increases red blood cell count and blood flow to the reproductive system, oxygenating the blood and revitalizing uterine tissue. It has a warming effect on the uterus, but does not exacerbate hot flashes. Its constituents ferulic acid and coniferyl ferulate have neuroprotective effects. They also inhibit platelet aggregation and serotonin release. Overall, Dong Quai supports brain health and mood. The herb’s complex polysaccharides stimulate immune cells and cytokines involved in inflammation and joint health, preventing pain and mobility issues. The herb’s coumarins dihydropyranocoumarins and dihydrofruanocoumarins stimulate macrophages and phagocytosis, possibly preventing tumor growth and metastasis. The herb supports heart health by lowering dangerous cholesterol levels, plaque formation, and high blood pressure (hypertension) in the arteries. Dong Quai can smooth the transition through menopause and protect against chronic diseases.

NutraMeno tea is a carefully-formulated blend of Dong Quai and herbs like Red Clover and Shatavari Root, which harmonize to help maintain balance in female physiology during and after menopause.

Menstruation 

The root of Dong Quai tonifies, revitalizes, and balances blood circulation. It also improves cramps. Its volatile oils, particularly ligustilide, have antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscle of visceral organs, stimulating contraction, then long relaxation. In this way, Dong Quai reduces painful cramping from dysmenorrhea. Its volatile oils reduce blood viscosity, decrease platelet aggregation, and have anti-inflammatory, pain-killing effects. By dilating blood vessels, the herb’s coumarins reduce pain caused by obstructed, viscous, stagnant blood. This addresses amenorrhea and conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain, such as endometriosis, menstrual clots, and uterine fibroids. It’s also mildly laxative. 

After Giving Birth

Childbirth is a heroically taxing act, with blood loss. This herb is famous for “blood-building” and is often added to nourishing soups for mothers post-birth. Dong Quai is also used to treat anemia due to iron deficiency, chronic inflammation, or bone marrow suppression. The herb also protects the mucosal stomach lining from ulcers, overproduction of stomach acid, and inflammation. 

Return to Normal

Dong Quai is a fragrant plant with umbelliferous (umbrella-like) clusters of little, white flowers. It is indigenous to cool high altitude mountains in East Asia. It is a member of the Apiaceae family. “Dong quai” translates to “state of return,” as in a return to normal homeostasis.  In TCM, Dong Quai is considered the most yielding yin tonic. North American herbalism often misunderstands the plant as a “woman’s herb” and even calls it the “female ginseng.” This arises from a mistranslation of the TCM concepts of yin and yang, which are much more complex than ‘yin’ meaning woman and ‘yang’ meaning man. Dong Qai is a tonic herb for both women and men. For instance, it can help improve a man’s blood circulation and liver function. It appears in The Divine Husbandman’s Classic, an herbal materia medica published during the Han Dynasty (between 25-225 CE) and in the Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet, a classical clinical work from around 220 CE.