~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa,
It may be the spelling, from trying to render the pronunciation in a
different language. (I'm speaking from a minor background in applied
linguistics.) Remember, the word has been trasliterated from a Chinese
language into English and Spanish, each of which will hear and spell a sound
quite differently, e.g. the "t" and "d" sounds won't be heard the same way.
It sounds like *dong quai*, a popular Chinese herb. This spelling is not in
Hale, either. However, the Australian herbal text by Talalaj & Czechowicz
gives the botanical name as Angelica polymorpha. [Talalaj S, Czechowicz AS.
Herbal remedies: harmful and beneficial effects. Melbourne: Hillof Content,
1989, pp. 129-130.]
This text describes the active constituents as coumarins (and has further
comments about the volatile oil). The pharmacological action is described
as: analgesic, sedative, and emmenagogue. ("Emmenagogue" means it stimulates
the menstrual flow - and thus the authors caution against its use during
pregnancy.) In Chinese folk medicine it is used for "the prevention and
relief of allergic symptoms" and the authors remark that its
immunosuppressive action has been confirmed in animal studies. While
generally considered safe, excessive doses can cause uterine contractions
leading to abortion. I'm glad the mother discontinued this drug during her
pregnancy. The authors' opinion is that it is "hazardous" because of the
presence of the potential carcinogen, safrole.
Dong quai is mentioned also in Sheila Humphrey's excellent herbal text, but
only in passing, e.g. as something to avoid if heavy menstrual flow is a
problem. On another page it is mentioned in passing that dong quai usually
is associated with low blood pressure. [Humphrey S. The nursing mother's
herbal. Minneapolis: Fairview Press, 2003.]
There are better ways to calm the mother - relaxation techniques, or simply
lots of skin-to-skin contact and latching her baby on and just letting the
hormones take over. If she is set on using herbal medicines, Sheila
Humphrey's book might be where to look.
I have no financial interest in either of the books cited, but reviewed the
Humphrey book for JHL last year.
Virginia
in hot, steamy Brisbane
~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa wrote:
Anyone have any information about the herb Tang Kuei Plus. I have a Spanish
mother who took it pre pregnancy and wants to take it again for
her "nerves". I couldn't find anything in "Medications and Mothers Milk" or
the Archives.
Thanks,
Lisa Bell RN, BSN, IBCLC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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