I've just started chinese herbs, any advice?

Hi everyone,
I posted a thread about the one I am taking, called don quai (anjelica sinensis) but no one has commented so I'm trying again.
This is my first experince taking chinese herbs and I am wondering if anyone can let me know how they found this herb?
I found that I got all warm and sleepy when I took it last night, quite pleasant! Today I felt a little bleary while out walking, not quite alert. Is it the herbs or am I imagining this?
Look forward to hearing any stories, especially good ones about this herb and helping with conception of course!
thanks in advance, sassba:D

Hi Sassba,

Sorry noone replied to ya thread. I haven't heard of this herb but I have been recently to a chinese herbalist and he gave me some herbs to cook up and drink. They weren't very pleasant but I didn't feel any real side affects like what you a describing.

But maybe they work differently for different ppl.

Sorry I couldn't help you out more...

Good luck with your TTC journey....

Hi Sass,
There are some herbs and supplements that those of us doing AC cannot take, and you have to be careful with as they can cause problems when doing AC.
I know you haven't started AC yet, so i would just let your FS know what you are taking when you have your appt, and then he/she will tell you if you have to stop before you start the next step, or if you can use them at the same time.
Vague answer, but i hope you understand.
Good Luck.

Hi Sassba,

I haven't tried that particular herb before but i did a bit of research for you (and everyone reading) anyway! I have a bit of time to waste!

Dong quai ( Angelica sinensis ), also known as Chinese Angelica, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine. It remains one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine, and is used primarily for health conditions in women. Dong quai has been called "female ginseng," based on its use for gynecologic disorders such as painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness, and fatigue/low vitality. It is also given for strengthening xue (loosely translated as "the blood"), for cardiovascular conditions/high blood pressure, inflammation, headache, infections, and neuropathic (nerve) pain.

In the late 1800s, an extract of Dong quai called Eumenol became popular in Europe as a treatment for gynecologic complaints. Recently, interest in Dong quai has resurged due to its proposed estrogen-like properties.

In Chinese medicine, Dong quai is most often used in combination with other herbs. Within the Chinese medical framework, Dong quai is used as a component of formulas for liver qi stasis and spleen deficiency. It is believed to work best in patients with a yin profile, and is considered to be a mildly warming herb. Dong quai is thought to return the body to proper order by nourishing the blood and harmonizing vital energy. The name Dong quai translates as "return to order" based on its alleged restorative properties.

Safety:
Dong quai should not be used by people with bleeding disorders, excessive menstrual bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or during infections such as colds and flu. Call your health practitioner if you experience bleeding, unusual bruising, diarrhea, or fever.

Dong quai may contain estrogen-like compounds and should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with breast cancer.

People taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin should not use Dong quai.

Important Points About Dong Quai
Dong quai should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It should also not be used during breast-feeding.

Dong quai can cause photosensitivity, so people should limit sun exposure and wear sunblock.

I hope that helped a bit, and good luck!

thanks guys brilliant feedback!

Sorry I doubled up threads on this subject!
Keira you are an ecyclopedia! Thanks so much kotare and rara too.

I am really liking this herb, I feel quite calm, which I have found difficult in the last 2-3 months since I started to panic a little about TTC.
Hope it does the trick, I get pregnant the old fashion and free way this month & I can avoid heading off for surgery latyer this month and IUI next month.
Thanks again, sassba

Good luck Sassba! I'm sure you will get your much wanted :bfp: very soon!!!

Be sure to keep us all updated!