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Dong Quai - The Womens Herb For Wellbeing
By Sacha Tarkovsky
Dong Quai is considered the ultimate, woman's herb.
Women use it as a general blood tonic, but it is mainly held in high regard by women who take it regularly as a tonic for general all round well being.
Here we will look at the herb and its benefits.
The name Dong Quai covers several different strains of Angelica which include:
Angelica sinensis, Angelica polymorpha and Angelica acutiloba and others
Dong Quai & Ginseng
Dong Quai is also known as Tang Kuei, and is held in high regard in Chinese medicine almost as highly as panax ginseng.
Dong Quai has been used in China for around 2,500 years, where it is believed to have Yin qualities, whilst Panax ginseng has the opposite qualities of Yang.
Dong Quai or angelica, is an aromatic herb that grows in China, Korea, and Japan and is used by herbalists as a treatment for a variety of gynecological treatments from regulating the menstrual cycle, to treating menopausal symptoms.
Dong Quai grows at high altitudes in the cold, mountainous regions of China, Korea and Japan.
Dong Quai is a fragrant, perennial plant which has purplish stems and bears clusters of white flowers and winged fruits in July and August.
The yellowish-brown thick-branched roots of the dong Quai plant have a number of medicinal uses.
It takes three years for the plant to reach maturity, after which time the root is harvested and is made into tablets and powder for sale as a tonic.
Nutritional makeup
Dong quai contains vitamins E, A and B12 and rich in tannins.
Researchers have isolated at least six coumarin derivatives that exert antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects.
The essential oil in dong quai contains Ligustilide, butylphthalide, Ferulic acid and various polysaccharides. These elements can help reduce blood clotting and relax peripheral blood vessels.
Medical testing
Dong quai contains compounds that, in laboratory tests, have demonstrated activities that can help with the following:
Reduction of pain, dilation of blood vessels, and stimulation and relaxation of uterine muscles.
Studies on animals seem to indicate that dong quai may treat abnormal heart rhythm, prevent accumulation of platelets in blood vessels, protect the liver, help with urination, act as a laxative, help promote sleep and relaxation and finally, fight infection.
Claims and Common Uses for Dong Quai are:
1. Increases the effects of ovarian and testicular hormones.
2. Can be used in the treatment of liver disorders.
3. High iron content believed to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
4. Aids in regulating blood sugar levels and lowers blood pressure.
5. Relieves constipation and insomnia.
6. Exhibits anti-tumor, anti-bacterial activity.
7. Used in the treatment of arrhythmia and heartburn.
8. Brings relief from symptoms of PMS, migraine headaches, abdominal pain and arthritis.
9. Believed to help women resume normal menstruation after using birth control pills.
10. Acts as a mild sedative which can help relieve both stress and anxiety.
11.Strengthens internal reproductive organs, helps with endometriosis and internal bleeding or bruising.
12. Relieves menopausal conditions such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes.
Dosage
The powdered root can be used in capsules or tablets. Women normally take 3–4 grams daily in three separate dosages. Alternatively, 3–5 ml of tincture are taken three times per day.
Side effects
Dong Quai may cause fair-skinned people to become more sensitive to light. People using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun. Dong Quai is not recommended for pregnant or women who are breast-feeding
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sacha_Tarkovsky
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Dietary Iron And Your Health
By Oze Parrot
Dietary Iron is an essential ingredient for the existence of nearly all living organisms. The general Health and energy levels of the body can be seriously affected by a sustained deficiency of Iron.
Due to the biological differences and reproductive processes in women, they are more vulnerable to the affects of having an Iron deficiency. Figures show that a significant number of people, of both genders, do not receive the minimum suggested daily quota of Iron.
The result is, that these people have a variety of Health problems that range from the mild, which by simply increasing the daily iron intake will remedy, to the severe. The most severe cases often require complex treatments which could have been avoided by consuming the recommended, daily quota of Dietary Iron.
One of the more essential functions of Dietary Iron is to oxygenate the blood. Iron also provides the necessary energy metabolism for the neural development of babies as they grow and develop in the womb. Iron serves to promote the important functioning of the body’s immune system, particularly in the production of the white blood cells essential to fighting infection and disease. The body needs iron in order to make proper use of the B vitamins.
Women, need to make certain that their Iron levels are adequate during their pregnancy, as the Health, growth and development of their baby depends on it. On the other hand, because of blood loss during normal menstruation, most women need to take special care during their period to make sure their Iron levels stay at the recommended levels.
A deficiency of Dietary Iron can cause a number of Health problems, the most common being anemia which results in weakness, fatigue and an inability to concentrate properly.
Oxygen is one of the most important life giving forces for the body, and Iron plays an essential role in seeing that oxygen reaches all parts of the body, via the blood. General feelings of Health and well-being rely heavily on proper Iron levels.
Food sources that are rich in Dietary Iron include meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, leaf vegetables, chickpeas, black-eyed pea, strawberries, tofu, and farina.
Dietary supplements that include iron as well as iron enriched foods play an important role in achieving the recommended daily iron requirements. However, like any other dietary supplement or medicine, Iron supplements must be used properly to be effective.
The body regulates Iron distribution both as a defence against bacterial infection as well as the potential biological toxicity of iron. An overdose of iron will damage the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and then cause irreparable damage to the body's major organs which can ultimately result in death.
Always keep Iron supplements and Vitamins that contain Iron well out of the reach of children. A child is less than likely to survive an overdose of Iron supplements.
The body's most vital functions depend heavily upon the essential nutrient, Iron. Dietary supplements are a safe and trusted means of making sure of meeting the recommended daily Iron intake levels. Iron supplements, taken as recommended by your nutritionist, are a good choice for helping to keep the body strong and healthy.
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