Angelica sinensis                                 Common name: Dong Quai

Family: Apiaceae

Part used: Dried root

Constituents: Furanocoumarins (ligustilide); Polysaccharides, Ferulic acid

Actions: Uterine tonic (stimulating action on uterus), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Circulatory tonic

Medical uses: Uterine tonic & stimulant useful in cases of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, PMS, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms and infertility. Anti-inflammatory polysaccharides are specific to gastric mucosa & cardio-protective effects reduce atherogenesis, and protects against reperfusion injury.

Pharmacy:  Tincture: (1:2, 60%), 4-8 ml QD. Decoction: 3-15g of dried root TID.

Contraindications: Bleeding diathesis.

Toxicity:  Very safe.

Interactions: Some anti-platelet activity, so use caution with anticoagulant drugs.