climate
Dong quai grows on high ground in cool and damp areas of western and
north-western China, grows in part sun or in shady forests.
soil
The hardy plant thrives best on rich, moist, well drained loam soils.
growing
Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a
short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination
rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to
handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on
in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their
permanent locations in the spring.
harvesting
The root is harvested in the autumn or winter and dried for later use as cut pieces or powder.
preserving
Store dried root pieces or powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Dong quai root, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a moisture-loving plant
native to China that is closely related to celery. As a medicinal herb, dong
quai is known in many traditional healing systems, including Native American,
Chinese, Ayurveda and Kampo medicine. It is traditionally used to treat high
blood pressure, anemia, high blood sugar, poor circulation and heart disease.
Although these uses apply to both men and women, dong quai root is best known as
a natural treatment for painful or prolonged menstruation, endometriosis and
unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. In fact, another common name for
this herb is female ginseng.
The medicinal properties of dong quai root are due to the presence of
coumarin compounds and various phytosterols. The root also contains ferulic
acid, a therapeutic agent used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
disorders. The plant sterols in dong quai root exert estrogenic effects that
help to offset menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. According to the
National Institutes of Health, topical preparations of the root may also
benefit men suffering from premature ejaculation. Products used for this
purpose typically consist of a cream formulated with powdered dong quai and
other herbs, such as Panax ginseng.
Dong quai is usually taken in capsule form in doses of 1-4 g dried root per
day. Be aware that light-skinned individuals may experience increased
photosensitivity while taking this herb. In addition, due to the estrogenic
effects of dong quai, you should not use this herb during pregnancy,
lactation or if you have a history of a hormone-driven disease, such as
breast cancer. Dong quai may also increase the effects of other medications,
especially anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
