Chinese, American and European Angelica are three different plants of the same variety, each are slightly different, but for the most part their actions are similar. The Chinese variety, Dong Quai, is the most scientifically researched of the group. American and European varieties while not as well researched both have reputations for having similar effects, being used historically and by modern herbalists.

[In this article, Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) is referred to as Dong Quai; while Angelica refers to both European Angelica (Angelica archangelica), and American Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea)]

Angelica has a powerful action over a woman's reproductive system. American and European Angelica were used by colonial women to promote menstruation and to terminate pregnancy. Susun Weed, a noted herbalist, says that Angelica will bring on delayed

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menstruation 60% of the time, if menstruation is no more than two weeks over due. A decoction of the roots is probably the most effective method for these purposes. Midwives have used decoctions and a syrup made from Angelica roots after childbirth to stimulate the release of a retained placenta. Some midwives claim the placenta arrives 10 minutes later!

Perhaps the most talked about member of the Angelica species is the Chinese variety commonly known as Dong Quai. There has been a great deal of research done on Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) and its various effects on the body and the female reproductive system. Dong Quai has two very different effects on the uterus, it has the ability to stimulate contractions and also to relax the uterus thus inhibiting contractions. Which effect you get depends on how you prepare the herb.

Dong Quai's relaxing effect on the uterus comes from the volatile oils contained in the root. Volatile means that the oils are easily destroyed. When the desire is to capture them, brew a medicinal tea or infusion. "Studies indicate that dang gui hot water extract regulates uterine and intestine contractions, relaxes the uterus and even inhibits spasms."¹ The relaxing effect of Dong Quai is useful for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

When the desire is to stimulate strong, coordinated, regular contractions, for aiding in childbirth, stimulating delayed menstruation, and causing miscarriage/abortion, then a decoction, tincture or capsules are used. In these preparations the volatile oils are destroyed or not captured in the process; the simmering of the herb while making a decoction destroys the oils, leaving just the uterine stimulating properties, in a tincture the oils are not extracted into the alcohol, and capsules also seem to have the uterine stimulating properties as well, it is possible that the volatile oils are damaged or destroyed when grinding the root into powder for placement within the capsule.

When contractions are fast, irregular and weak, the non-volatile components of Dong Quai root causes them to become slow, regular and stronger. One of my sources claims that a decoction is the best, where another source claims that a tincture causes stronger more coordinated contractions. The capsules seem to work as well (be sure to use a high quality product), and one advantage with capsules the dosage is most easily monitored. Most women tend to use capsules as these are easiest to obtain.

A couple of ladies who have been kind enough to share with us their experience of ending pregnancy in Sharing our Wisdom switched to Dong Quai after using the vitamin C. Trumary who's pregnancy had been confirmed with a pregnancy test, started taking vitamin C when menstruation was two weeks late. She took the vitamin c for 5 days then switched to Black Cohosh and a day later added a tincture of Dong Quai. After medicating day and night for about 7 days bleeding began 12 hours after she took her first dose of Dong Quai.

Annie used Dong Quai exclusively, first as a decoction, then switched to capsules. She had a positive pregnancy test, bleeding began in 5 Days. Brynna didn't have a pregnancy test, but had unprotected intercourse during the peak of her fertility. She took vitamin c for 10 days before menstruation was due. Stopped, taking nothing for the next six days. Menstruation now 1 week late, she started taking Dong Quai, 1000 mg for her first dose then reduced to 800 mg every 4 hours. After the first dose (1000 mg) - cramps; after the 2nd dose (800 mg) - spotting; after the 4th dose - bleeding like a regular period. Autumn used the vitamin C for 3 days and then switched to Dong Quai (2 capsules every 4 hours) and had bleeding begin with in 10 hours of starting the Dong Quai. Autumn's pregnancy was not confirmed, she says she observed fibrous tissue with chorionic villi. Bleeding began in 3 ¹/₂ - 4 days.

Other women using Dong Quai have reported noticing a reductions in pregnancy symptoms, especially with breast symptoms, such as swelling, tenderness and pain.

• Note: I would like to add, that I put the details from these ladies experiences here for informational purposes, not as guidelines for what you could or should do. Every woman is different, and it is important to take that into consideration as you are coming up with your plan of how to deal with your current situation, doses etc. Just because it worked this way for these ladies doesn't mean it will happen this way for you.

Who shouldn't use this herb:
Contradictions - Do Not use Angelica or Dong Quai if: