Angelica sinensis
Angelica sinensis[edit | edit source]
Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai or "female ginseng," is a herb belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The plant is primarily known for its purported benefits in treating women's health issues, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle.
Description[edit | edit source]
Angelica sinensis is a perennial plant that grows to about 1 meter in height. It has purplish stems and bears small white flowers arranged in umbels. The plant's roots are thick and aromatic, which are the parts most commonly used in herbal medicine.
Uses in Traditional Medicine[edit | edit source]
Angelica sinensis is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of conditions. It is believed to help balance the body's yin and yang, improve blood circulation, and alleviate symptoms of menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea.
Women's Health[edit | edit source]
The herb is particularly renowned for its use in addressing women's health issues. It is often prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual cramps, and manage symptoms of menopause.
Other Uses[edit | edit source]
Apart from its gynecological applications, Angelica sinensis is also used to treat anemia, constipation, and inflammation. It is sometimes included in formulations to boost immune system function and improve overall vitality.
Active Compounds[edit | edit source]
The therapeutic effects of Angelica sinensis are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These include ferulic acid, ligustilide, and various polysaccharides. These compounds are thought to contribute to the herb's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic properties.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Angelica sinensis is primarily cultivated in the cool, damp regions of China, particularly in the provinces of Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan. The plant requires well-drained soil and a temperate climate to thrive.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
