Herbal Supplement Information

A legend was once told that in ancient times, a Chinese emperor was drinking hot water when leaves from a nearby tree shrub (Camellia sinensis) fell and dropped into his cup. The resulting soothing drink suited the emperor’s taste so much so that tea was invented. This is believed to be how one of the well-loved beverages came about- the tea. Currently, Chinese herbal tea is rank secondary to water only as the most popular drink in the world. For centuries, Chinese used tea as herbal medicine. Recently, studies have proven that Chinese herbal tea does contain a number of healing substances which are found in the tea leaf that provide therapeutic effects to the tea drinkers. The most important and potent among these substances are antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols that aids in guarding against kinds of cell damage.

The green tea which is a Chinese herbal tea is a proven source of antioxidants. The leaf contains the important antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) and other important healing substances such as fluoride, catechins and tannins. Sipping this Chinese herbal tea may prevent various types of cancer; guard against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure, stop tooth decay and many other benefits.

The green tea is a Chinese herbal tea that can effectively increase the body’s antioxidant capacity for two hours with just about ten (10) ounces of green tea. The tannin compounds found in this Chinese herbal tea can help ease indigestion, diarrhea and stomach upset if taken in moderation.

The green tea is believed to contain antioxidant EGCG which initiate the process called apoptosis. During this process, cancer cells die leaving behind the healthy cells only. In one study conducted in China, it was found out that people who drank as little as one cup of this Chinese herbal tea per week in a span of six months can reduce the risk of developing cancers compared to those people who has lesser intake of green tea or none at all. Chinese herbal tea is also effective in countering the aging process due to its antioxidant properties. It is also used to treat arthritis. Consuming four cups of green tea which is a Chinese herbal tea may protect developing arthritis and if you already have one, can help treat inflammation.

To get enough amounts of polyphenols which are active ingredients found in Chinese herbal tea, you need to consume three to four cups of Chinese herbal tea per day. Most side effects associated with Chinese herbal tea are due to its caffeine content. This could cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or loss of apetite.

We all know what good ginseng can do for our health. We use it for everything from herbal supplement to tonic drink. Some even claim that it’s an effective aphrodisiac. Now, while the benefits of ginseng are clearly outstanding, it’s not the only herb that you can turn to.

Have you ever heard of the so-called “female” version of ginseng? Like ginseng, Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis, is an aromatic herb that is most commonly found in Asia, specifically in countries like China, Korea, and Japan. The reputation of Dong Quai (Angelica) as a powerful herbal drink is second only to ginseng. It is considered by most as the ultimate all-purpose woman’s tonic herb.

Dong Quai (Angelica) has been used by Asians for thousands of years as a tonic. It is derived from the gnarled root of the perennial plant, Angelica sinensis which is native to China and the root of the Japanese A. acutiloba. Both of these plants have hollow stems that are about eight-feet long and graced with several clusters of white blooms, forming a shape that resembles an umbrella. The herb is sometimes called Chinese angelica, dang gui, and tang kuie. An interesting point to ponder is that the European and American species of the angelica plant (A. archangelica and A. atropurpurea) have their medicinal uses as well, but none of them are geared towards gynecology.

1. Dong Quai (Angelica): Common Use

The part of the Dong Quai (Angelica) which is found in tea, herbal preparations, capsules, extract and recipes is the root. Dubbed as the “ultimate herb” for women, the Dong Quai (Angelica) root is used to restore balance to a woman’s hormones and cycles. Simply put, Dong Quai (Angelica) can restore regularity in women’s menstruation and help improve the conditions of the reproductive system.

Basically, the common uses of Dong Quai (Angelica) are as follows:

• Relieve PMS and menstrual irregularities;
• Reduce the pain of endometriosis;
• Minimize menopausal symptoms;
• And nourish body fluids, counter fatigue, and lower blood pressure.

2. Dong Quai (Angelica): Active Ingredients

Some researchers believe that Dong Quai (Angelica) contains active ingredients known as coumarins, which makes it an effective tonic for the female reproductive system. Coumarins can dilate the blood vessels, stimulate the central nervous system, and increase the blood flow throughout the body. These ingredients in Dong Quai (Angelica) cause relaxation to the smooth muscles of the uterus, thus helping to explain the herb’s traditional use to relieve menstrual cramps.

Other herb experts content that the power of Dong Quai (Angelica) lies not in the presence of coumarins but to its high content levels of phytoestrogens. These are ingredients that are similar to estrogens, only weaker. Because they are similar to the human estrogens, phytoestrogens are attracted to estrogen sites on human cells and act on them. This contention led to the belief that Dong Quai (Angelica) has potential benefits to fight the negative effects brought by a woman’s own estrogens, such as breast cancer risk.

3. Dong Quai (Angelica): Possible Side Effects and Cautions

Dong Quai (Angelica) is a mild laxative so check with your doctor before taking it if you have diarrhea. Similarly, the blood-thinning properties of Dong Quai (Angelica) may cause menstrual bleeding to increase. Don’t take this herb if you’re pregnant or nursing. Dong Quai (Angelica) contains a fair amount of substances called psoralens that reacts with sunlight and causes skin rash or severe sunburn. If you’re fair-skinned and you’re taking this herb, limit your exposure to the sun.