St. Francis Menstrual Tonic - 250ml

Cautions & Warnings: Consult a health care practitioner before use: if you are taking birth control pills, blood thinners/anticoagulants, hormone replacement therapy (HRT); if you have family history of cancer, a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble. If menstruation is delayed or absent, or if you experience increased menstrual bleeding time, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet light (UV), or UV therapy. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist. Do not use: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are planning to conceive/become pregnant; if you have allergy/hypersensitivity to members of the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae family, have diarrhea or haemorraghic diseases; if you have hypermenorrheoea/profuse menstrual flow/heavy periods. Hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy) has been known to occur, in which case, discontinue use. If you experience breast pain, discomfort, and/or tenderness, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is a phytoestrogenic agent. This means that it contains plant estrogens, compounds that look similar to human estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the human body. The important thing to remember is that these plant estrogens only stimulate the receptors a fraction of the amount that the hormone estrogen would. Therefore dong quai can be used to treat conditions of high estrogen activity, by blocking the activity of the hormone estrogen. It can also treat conditions of low estrogen activity by binding to vacant receptor sites and causing a bit of hormonal stimulation.

Dong Quaiserves to treat a range of gynaecological problems such as the symptoms of menopause, menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual periods, retarded menstrual flow, and feelings of physical weakness attendant on menstruation.

Some compounds in dong quai have been found to decrease blood pressure by dilating vessels making dong quai useful for treating high blood pressure. It is also reported that dong quai supports the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues. It also acts as blood purifier and helps to treat anemia, rheumatism, ulcers, constipation, psoriasis, skin depigmentation, and hypertension. As well, Dong Quai aids in preventing and managing allergic reactions.

Dong quai is one of the most important herbs in traditional Asian medicine. It is considered to be a tonic for females and can be used for everything from fatigue and recovery from illness to hormonal imbalances. Dong quai is a phytoestrogenic agent. This means that it contains plant estrogens, compounds that look similar to human estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the human body.

The important thing to remember is that these plant estrogens only stimulate the receptors a fraction of the amount that the hormone estrogen would. Therefore dong quai can be used to treat conditions of high estrogen activity, by blocking the activity of the hormone estrogen. It can also treat conditions of low estrogen activity by binding to vacant receptor sites and causing a bit of hormonal stimulation. Dong quai is used to treat menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, anxiety and depression, and PMS and painful periods. Some compounds in dong quai have been found to decrease blood pressure by dilating vessels making dong quai useful for treating high blood pressure. It is also reported that dong quai supports the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues. By increasing blood production dong quai can alleviate anemia and improve energy.

Dong quai can be used as encapsulated herb, dried herb or tincture. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains dong quai and has some active properties. Dong quai is found as a component of hormonal balancing and blood pressure lowering formulas.

Dong quai contains substances that decrease your blood clotting ability therefore those with active bleeding, or those who use blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs should use caution. For the same reason, stop using dong quai 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental procedures. Do not use dong quai during pregnancy, while nursing, while taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy because dong quai can alter hormone levels. Dong quai may alter the effectiveness of some heart and blood pressure medications. Diabetics or those with estrogen sensitive tumours should not use dong quai. Dong quai use has been linked to increased risk of burns from the sun and tanning beds.

Benefits of Tinctures

Capsules, soft gels and tablets are very popular. Tinctures, however, have many advantages over these modes of delivery. The bio-availability of tinctures is very high in comparison, because unlike pills tinctures don't rely on digestion to break them down. Tinctures are readily absorbed by the body, beginning their work in the bloodstream almost as soon as they enter the mouth. Which is a very significant benefit. Note also that:

Tinctures can be applied externally as well as internally
Tinctures can be stored for long periods of time, even years, without loss of effectiveness
Tinctures can be taken relatively accurately because they are administered in drops

Why are tinctures alcohol-based?

Not only is the alcohol in St. Francis tinctures indispensable for extracting the active ingredients of an herb, it is also needed to stabilize and preserve them. As well as limiting microbial activity, alcohol has the ability to inhibit enzymatic or hydrolytic reactions in plant extracts.

Alcohol plays the role of a carrier substance conveying active ingredients within the body. Beyond that, it has been scientifically proven that small amounts of alcohol actually enhance the immune system and its defenses.

The amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn, is about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!