Angelica sinensis
In traditional Chinese medicine Dong Quai is referred to as a blood tonic as it has a general effect on circulation. This could be helpful for women experiencing pale menstrual flow, absent periods, and weakness after periods (in TCM this is called blood deficient). It has also been shown to improve red blood cell counts. Dong quai is traditionally used for situations of stagnation (PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids) as it increases the blood flow to the reproductive system, reducing congestion and pain.
Actions: Uterine Stimulant and/or tonifier, emmenagogue, Increases pelvic circulation, red blood cell tonic (vitamin/mineral rich), hepatorestorative/protective, nervous sedative.
Uses: Pelvic circulation tonic, used as a uterine spasmolytic and stimulant, relieves dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain, light or irregular menses, anemia. Also used as a soup during postpartum replenishing.
Dose: Tincture- 2mls 3x/day
When to start: do not begin angelica until all bleeding has stopped. Otherwise its ok to to begin using it even if theres some mild spotting.
When to stop: Continue for 7 days for women with short cycles and 10 days for women with long cycles. If you know when you ovulate, then that is the ideal time to stop. It is not a concern if angelica is taken into the early part of the luteal phase, especially in blood deficient women according to chinese medicine or anemic women according to western medicine.
Contraindications: Not for use with fibroids or endometriosis, because of increased blood flow to the pelvic region. Use with caution during pregnancy and blood thinning agents. May cause photosensitivity.