Dong quai, also known as Chinese angelica, has a long history of use in
China. Because many Chinese women supplement with dong quai root as a
daily tonic, it has earned the title of “ultimate herb for women.” It is
reputed to impart a warm, stimulating energy and to support the
meridians of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys.
In addition to phytosterols and coumarins, dong quai root contains
sodium ferulate, one of the agents responsible for the actions of this
herb. It’s interesting to note that Kraft Foods has patented the
application of this substance to make acesulfame potassium, an
artificial sweetener marketed under various trade names, more palatable.
