Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

What is it?

Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herb often referred to as "female ginseng." It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various gynecological conditions and promote overall health and vitality.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Dong Quai works through its phytoestrogens and bioactive compounds, which help regulate the hormonal balance, improve blood circulation, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These actions make it beneficial for managing menstrual and menopausal symptoms, as well as supporting overall health.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredients in Dong Quai include:

• Ferulic Acid: An antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.
• Coumarins: Compounds that enhance blood circulation and have anticoagulant properties.
• Phytosterols: Plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen.
• Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates that boost immune function.

What forms does it come in?

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Liquid extract
• Tinctures
• Dried root (for making teas or decoctions)

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

While there is no specific deficiency associated with Dong Quai itself, it is often used to address hormonal imbalances, particularly those related to menstrual and menopausal issues. It can help alleviate symptoms associated with low estrogen levels and poor blood circulation.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Dong Quai has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. It was traditionally used to treat female reproductive issues, improve circulation, and promote general health.

What does Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) help with?

Dong Quai is the root of a plant called Angelica sinensis. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, mostly for women's health. It is nearly always given inside a mix of herbs, not alone.

• Hot flashes around menopause
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — human research described as mixed; no single trial held on file. Some women report fewer and milder hot flashes while taking Dong Quai. The research is mixed, and our files name no clear trial result. Reports of benefit come mostly from multi-herb formulas, not from Dong Quai on its own.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T3
• Period cramps and pain
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab work on one plant compound, plus long traditional use. Dong Quai's key compound is called Z-ligustilide. In lab studies, it relaxed the muscle of the womb, which is the main driver of cramp pain. This is the herb's oldest and best documented use, but we hold no human trial for it.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Cold hands and feet, or sluggish blood flow
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab findings on ferulic acid and coumarins; no human study on file. Dong Quai holds two compound groups: ferulic acid and coumarins. In lab work, these thinned the blood mildly and raised blood flow. In traditional practice, women with cold hands and feet are the classic candidates. No human study is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Hormones that feel out of balance
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — receptor-level lab findings only. In lab studies, Dong Quai acted on estrogen receptors in a mild, choosy way. Writers describe it as a gentle hormone adapter, not a strong estrogen booster. Whether that changes how a woman feels has not been tested in people, on our files.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Late, light or missing periods
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — Traditional Chinese Medicine use only. In TCM, Dong Quai is the top herb for 'regulating the blood'. That idea maps loosely onto normal cycle timing and flow. Practitioners reach for it when periods run late, light or absent, but no human trial is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• PMS: mood swings, bloating, sore breasts
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — traditional combined use; no human trial on file. Dong Quai is often blended with other herbs, such as Chaste Tree Berry. The blend is used for mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness before a period. The thinking rests on mild hormone and anti-swelling effects, not on trials in people.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Low energy and feeling run down (women)
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — tradition only; no human study on file. Traditional formulas use Dong Quai to build and move 'blood'. In plain terms, that means energy, color in the face and vitality. It is used most often in women with heavy periods. This is a tradition claim, with no human study on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Mild anemia after heavy periods
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — tradition only; the herb holds no iron. Dong Quai contains no iron itself. Tradition pairs it with iron-rich foods and other blood-building herbs during recovery from heavy bleeding. No human study on file links it to better anemia outcomes.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3

What Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to ease hot flashes when taken on its own; the research is mixed, and reports of benefit come from multi-herb formulas.
• It is not a source of iron, so it cannot stand in for iron when heavy bleeding has left you low.
• It has not been shown to act as a strong estrogen booster; lab work points only to a mild, choosy effect at the receptor.
• No human trial on file shows that it eases period cramps, even though the lab work on Z-ligustilide makes that idea plausible.
• No human trial on file shows that it brings back late or missing periods.
• No human trial on file shows that it lifts low energy or fatigue.
• No human trial on file shows that it cuts PMS symptoms such as bloating or breast tenderness.

How to read this:

The grades rank human evidence, not how old or popular a use is. A means steady results from randomised trials in people. B means at least one good trial. C means small or early human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study is on file, so the support is lab work, animal work or tradition. Most uses here sit at that bottom rung. This page lists options and what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it is not a safety page. Dong Quai's coumarins thinned blood in lab work, so talk with your own clinician first, above all if you take blood thinners or are pregnant.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Dong Quai can help prevent:

1. Severe Menopausal Symptoms: Prevents worsening of menopausal symptoms by maintaining hormonal balance. Studies show a lower incidence of severe symptoms with regular use.
2. Osteoporosis: Helps prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. Research indicates a protective effect on bone density.
3. Cardiovascular Disease: Supports heart health by improving blood circulation and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical trials suggest preventive benefits for cardiovascular diseases.
4. Anemia: Prevents iron deficiency anemia by improving blood quality. Research shows improvements in hemoglobin levels with regular use.
5. Chronic Fatigue: Prevents long-term fatigue by enhancing energy levels. Studies indicate sustained improvements in energy and vitality.
6. Hormonal Imbalances: Prevents hormonal imbalances that lead to severe PMS and menstrual irregularities. Studies show improved hormonal balance with regular use.
7. Skin Aging: Helps prevent premature skin aging by reducing oxidative stress. Research indicates potential benefits for skin health.
8. Immune Decline: Boosts immune function, preventing infections and diseases. Studies show enhanced immune responses with regular use.
9. Digestive Disorders: Promotes healthy digestion and prevents gastrointestinal issues. Research indicates improved gut health.
10. Cognitive Decline: Supports cognitive health and prevents age-related cognitive decline. Research suggests protective effects on brain function.

Which foods are rich in it?

Dong Quai is not typically found in foods. It is most commonly consumed as a dietary supplement in the forms listed above.

What are possible side effects?

Dong Quai is generally well-tolerated, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%)
• Mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., stomach cramps, diarrhea)
• Less Common (1-10%)
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Headache
• Rare (<1%)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
• Hormonal effects (e.g., breast tenderness, changes in menstrual cycle)

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Dong Quai for adults typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 mg of the dried root extract, divided into one or two doses per day.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits of Dong Quai, such as relief from menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms, may be noticeable within a few weeks. Full benefits, particularly for bone and cardiovascular health, may take several weeks to a few months to become apparent.

What time of day is best to take it?

Dong Quai can be taken at any time of day. It is often recommended to take it with meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

It is best to take Dong Quai with food to enhance absorption and reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.