Dong Quai

This is the root of the lovage plant, which is a member of the carrot family. It takes about eight weeks of use initially for this tonic to do its job. It is a gentle herb and generally seen to be estrogenic. Dong Quai is also said to be an adaptogenic, as it has a reputation for balancing and moderating hormone production. Possessing a rich storehouse of phytoestrogens, it can stimulate the body's immune system into self-regulation. During menopause, dong quai helps to tone the reproductive organs, easing women through the hormonal shift. It has long been used by Chinese women, and is available in Chinese pharmacies in San Francisco under the name of Women's Precious Pills.

The normal drop in the body's estrogen levels leaves vaginal walls thin and dry. An estrogen-mimicking substance which can circulate in the bloodstream will act on cells, plumping up the cell membranes and giving the walls more elasticity and strength. It is also an adaptable substance, which allows it to work either way in the system, even performing as an anti-estrogen if necessary, countering the effects of estrogen. It does its work by balancing the body.

Dong quai is an excellent herb to consider for restoring libido, as it is powerful at relieving hot flashes. Hot flashes come with a host of symptoms which can really put the whammy on libido. Women usually report the annoying loss of sleep which almost always accompanies the worst of the hot flashes. Disturbed sleep will put the body into a survival mode, pulling energy from every source, especially the energy needed to feel sexually excited. Hot flashes are the most common and most noticeable effect of perimenopause, with mood swings, memory upsets, and depression following close behind. Each of these symptoms will also disturb the sexual flow, causing a host of problems which make a healthy sex life difficult.

Dong Quai can be purchased in pill form as mentioned above, or it can be acquired in its unprocessed form, in thin dried slabs at natural food stores. It is rich in minerals, particularly iron. It can be grated, chopped, steeped or steamed, or brewed as a tea. It has a uniquely strong, earthy taste that will become overly pungent if it is cooked a bit too long. An appropriate amount for most women is two teaspoons of the root, twice a day.

As with all herbs, it should not be used during acute illness, or by those with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, without the guidance of a trusted health care professional.