Don Quai: Information, Benefits and Side Effects

Dong quai is an herbal remedy derived from angelica sinesis, a plant with pale green flowers that grows in China, Korea and Japan. Related to celery, the herb is widely used in Chinese medicine as a tonic for women. Traditional herbalists have long used a tea made from dong quai to treat menstrual disorders, cramps and other gynecological conditions.

It also has a history of use in China as a heart, spleen, liver, kidney and general blood tonic. In more recent times, interest in herbal and alternative medicine has made dong quai a popular alternative to pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy that is used to treat symptoms of menopause.

Six chemicals related to the anticoagulant agent coumarin have been identified as active ingredients in dong quai. These chemicals are thought to act as an antispasmodic agent with the ability to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles. The antispasmodic effects of dong quai make it effective in relieving menstrual cramps.

The herb is also able to balance estrogen, tone the reproductive organs and treat endometriosis. At least one of its active ingredients can stimulate brain function and promote alertness. Dong quai can also stimulate the central nervous system, helping to relieve the fatigue and headache that are common to menstrual disorders. It can be used to treat vaginal dryness and hot flashes as well. In addition, dong quai can help return a woman’s menstrual cycle to normal after the use of birth control pills.

Rich in nutrients like vitamins E, A and B12, dong quai has other known benefits as well. It is said to purify blood and promote circulation, as well as provide nourishment to the blood in both men and women.

Dong quai is a mild sedative with stress relieving effects that can calm the nervous system and be used to treat insomnia. Conversely, dong quai is sometimes known as “female ginseng” because of its ability to stimulate certain processes. It has been used to treat increase energy and to stimulate contractions during childbirth.

Dong quai supplements are made from the whole root of the angelica sinesis plant. It is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and teas. The recommended dosage is generally 10 to 40 drops of tincture taken one to three times per day. In capsule form, the dosage is usually 1500 mg taken three times a day. Dong quai is used to treat specific symptoms, which should dissipate within a few weeks.

The herb is not recommended for long-term use, and it should not be used during pregnancy. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding or fibroids should also avoid the use of dong quai.

While dong quai relieves intermittent hot flashes, it may actually exacerbate this symptom in women who are hot all the time. Side effects of dong quai may include diarrhea and sun sensitivity in individuals with fair skin. Since the active constituents of dong quai are coumarin derivatives, anyone taking the prescription medication Coumadin, which is also a coumarin derivative, should not take dong quai without the advice of a physician.

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