Finer Points
Thoughts and information for continued hope and health

April 2006

Quote of the month

"My candle burns at both ends and it will not last the night.
But ah, my foes and oh, my friends,
It gives a lovely light!"

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

The Queen Herb

If Ginseng is considered the King of the Chinese herbs, because of its strength to tonify weakness, then Dang Gui (also written Tang Kwei and Dong Quai - pronounced "Dahng Gway") is considered the Queen.

Dang gui (Radix Angelica Sinensis) is primarily what we refer to in Chinese medicine as a "Blood Tonic" - it strengthens the blood. As Ginseng as gotten a lot of attention for being a "men's herb", Dang Gui is similarly a "women's herb" though it is used in formulas for men and women alike.

Dang Gui is said to strengthen the blood, invigorate the blood an to moisten the intestines.

In clinical practice, we used Dang Gui for patients who are pale, ashen-faced, have blurred vision, tinnitus and palpitations. Perhaps a woman with these symptoms might also have an irregular period or none at all. Dang Gui can also aid constipation in this same type of patient. It is used also for abdominal pain, traumatic injuries and carbuncles, all stemming from the Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis of "blood stagnation" or "blood deficiency with stagnation".

People who suffer from loose stools may not use this herb.

Modern pharmacological research shows Dang Gui to be effective in increasing the efficiency of uterine contractions without affecting estrogen levels. Dang Gui also increases the liver's ability to consume oxygen, thus improving liver function. It also has shown an antibiotic effect against many bacteria including hemolytic streptococcus and shigella.

Dang Gui is commonly used in formulas which alleviate pain and strengthen the blood. It's most famous use is in gynecological formulas for the treatment of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, premenstrual tension, menstrual cramps, uterine fibroids, breast cysts and sciatic pain.

And finally, Dang Gui is boiled into chicken soup and given to a woman during the postpartum period, to help recovery after childbirth. It is safe for a nursing mother and baby - and has no side effects.

Queen indeed.