Latin Name
Angelica sinensis

General Description
Also known as Chinese angelica root, dong quai is used by Chinese herbalists as a treatment for several gynecological complaints. Look for a long, moist, oily plant as the source of the root, which has brown bark and a white cross section. The fragrant herb is characterized as sweet, acrid, bitter and warm, according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Menstrual irregularity, lack of menstruation, painful or insubstantial menstruation.
  
• Stabbing pain, pain caused by traumatic injury.
  
• Poor blood circulation, pale complexion, possible anemia.
  
• Carbuncles that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, arise from stagnant blood; abscesses; sores.
  
• Lightheadedness, blurred vision and heart palpitations.

Preparations
This root is widely available in bulk and in tablet form at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and Western health food stores. You should avoid the herb if it is dry or has a greenish brown cross section. Frying the herb in vinegar or wine improves its tonic effect on blood circulation. Toasting it to ash increases its ability to stop bleeding.
Combinations: Mixed with astragalus, dong quai provides a tonic for treating fatigue and other symptoms associated with loss of blood. A blend of dong quai, white peony root, Chinese foxglove root cooked in wine, and cnidium root (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is prescribed for menstrual irregularity and similar conditions. Dong quai is also combined with honeysuckle flowers and red peony root to form a preparation that reduces the swelling and alleviates the pain of abscesses and sores. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner for further information on mixtures and doses.

Special Information

• You should not take dong quai during the early stages of pregnancy.
  
• Check on the use of this herb with your Chinese medicine practitioner if you have diarrhea or abdominal bloating; it is not recommended in some cases.
  
• Modern acupuncturists sometimes inject the herb into acupuncture points to treat pain, especially that from neuralgia and arthritis.