We are very excited to announce our new product : Dong Quai.
Dong Quai is a herb native to China and has been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for thousands of years. Dong Quai is a member of the celery family (Apiaceae) and has long been considered a tonic herb.
What is a tonic herb? A tonic herb is a type of herb that can be administered regularly over a long period of time to help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the body or to promote general health and well-being.
Dong Quai is also considered to be an adaptogen.
What is an adaptogenic herb?
Adaptogens increase your bodies resistance to stress and environmental agents. They create a normalizing effect on your body's functions, regardless of the stressor that is impacting you. They have the ability to create or maintain the equilibrium safely and with no side effects, even with long term use.
What are the benefits of taking Dong Quai?
Dong Quai is often referred to as "the female ginseng" and is arguably the most popular herbal medicine when it comes to balancing female hormones. It helps in relieving menstrual cramps in females. Dong Quai contains Ligustillide, a component that has antispasmodic properties, particularly in the uterus.
Dong Quai can also help regulate menstrual cycles and is a tonic for the reproductive health of females. It also benefits females who are facing fertility challenges due to tubal blockages.
As an adaptogen, Dong Quai helps the body rebuild its energy resources. It works directly with the mitochondria in the cells, also known as the powerhouse of the cell. According to many studies, dysfunction of the mitochondria leads to ageing and various diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and hypertension.
Dong Quai can
also help in the treatment of depression and, like other great adaptogens, promotes calmness of mind.
Dong Quai has proven to be a natural remedy in relieving the symptoms associated with the female menopause. It has similar effects to the hormone oestrogen and it relieves symptoms of the menopause by regulating levels of oestrogen which is reduced during the menopause.
Dong Quai helps in purifying blood and improves the circulation of blood. It has the ability to tonify the blood and treat syndromes of blood stagnation and blood deficiency.
Can men take Dong Quai?
Yes! I have in the past and really enjoyed a mixed feeling of energy and calmness of mind. As mentioned above, Dong Quai is a great blood tonic, good for heart health and can enhance your mood. It is also well known to help with male fertility due to the phytonutrients that are very bioavailable in the plant. Dong Quai has been shown to improve the viability and motility in sperm. Dong Quai literally translates as "the husband returns to his wife".
I've been enjoying adaptogenic herbs for a few years now and it's been one of my most favourite discoveries. There are are so many to choose from and all have wonderful health benefits. You can use them as a powder and mix them in smoothies or take them in capsule form. You can also stir some of them into a black coffee as I like to do in the mornings. We're really excited about our upcoming range of herbs and Dong Quai is a great way to kick it off!