Ingredient spotlight: Dong quai and how it supports menopause symptoms.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is an herb that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly for women's health issues. It is often referred to as "female ginseng" because of its reputed ability to support hormonal balance and promote overall reproductive health. Here's how dong quai is thought to help with menopause:
1. Hormonal Balance:
Dong quai is believed to support the body's ability to balance hormones, especially estrogen. During menopause, estrogen levels decline, leading to common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Dong quai contains compounds called phytoestrogens—plant-based compounds that have a weak estrogen-like effect on the body. These may help mitigate some of the discomforts associated with low estrogen levels.
2. Relieving Hot Flashes:
Some studies suggest that dong quai can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, a hallmark symptom of menopause. While the evidence is not definitive, dong quai is thought to act on the body's endocrine system, potentially helping to regulate the fluctuations in temperature regulation that lead to hot flashes.
3. Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being:
Dong quai is sometimes used to help with the mood swings, irritability, and mild depression that can occur during menopause. This may be due to its adaptogenic effects, helping the body cope with stress and restore emotional balance.
4. Improving Circulation:
Dong quai is often used to improve blood circulation, which can help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and even fatigue. Good circulation is important for maintaining overall energy and reducing discomforts linked to menopause.
5. Regulating Menstrual Cycles:
For women approaching menopause, dong quai is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle, making the transition into menopause smoother. This may be particularly helpful for women experiencing irregular periods before menopause sets in.
6. Supporting Bone Health:
Though the direct effects on bone health are not yet fully understood, some practitioners believe that dong quai can help promote bone strength due to its estrogen-like effects. This is important during menopause, as the decline in estrogen can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis.
7. Other Benefits:
Dong quai is also traditionally used to improve overall vitality and energy, helping with fatigue and physical weakness that some women may experience during menopause.
Dong quai root extract can be found in our menopause patches to help relieve the associated symptoms, and of course with all the other added benefits.
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