For thousands of years throughout China and Asia, angelica root, or dong quai, has been used to maintain women’s health. In fact, it’s gained a nickname as the “female ginseng,” thanks to its many amazing benefits for women’s health, especially the reproductive health.

The benefits of dong quai include:  

Balancing estrogen levels. Dong quai has the ability to balance female hormones. It reduces your estrogen levels if they are too high and can increase them if they are too low.

Nourishing blood. Rich in vitamin B-12, folic acid, folinic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin, dong quai helps to build blood, and is commonly used in Chinese medicine as a blood tonic.

Regulating menstrual cycles and easing PMS symptoms. Dong quai is an antispasmodic that eases cramps and other symptoms of PMS. It dilates your blood vessels to promote regular and healthy menstrual flows.

Relieving menopause symptoms. Along with black cohosh, chasteberry or vitex agnus castus, red clover, wild yam and rehmannia, dong quai is regarded as one of the most honored and respected menopause herbs. It helps to relieve hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Combating PMS mood swings. Dong quai is an effective tonic for reducing anxiety and mood swings. It has a calming effect on your nervous system and promotes relaxation.

Other benefits. Dong quai has many other benefits including enhancing fertility, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails, treating iron deficiency and anemia, and more.

While Dong Quai is considered safe for most people, it’s not for everyone, especially women with breast cancer, during pregnancy or while nursing, or with gastrointestinal problems.

This morning I made a pot of dong quai tea based on a traditional Chinese recipe. It’s fairly simple. Use 10g of dong quai and 3g of black tea. Boil it with water, and then brew it for about 15 minutes. You can add some brown or red sugar if you prefer a little sweetness.

Hmm… What a nourishing elixir!

Enjoy. And don’t forget to use your Free Period Calendar or Mood Runner Mood & Period Tracker to monitor its effect on your moods, energy and period symptoms. Live vibrantly!