Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
Angelica sinensis
当归
Pinyin: Dāng Guī
Plant Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Part Used
Root
Origin
Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi provinces of China
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Dong Quai is a perennial herb in the celery/carrot family with white flowers and a large, aromatic root. It is the most important women's herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often called the "female ginseng." The root is divided into three parts used differently: the head (top) stops bleeding, the body tonifies blood, and the tail moves blood. Min County, Gansu, produces the most famous "Min Gui."
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter, acrid / pungent
Meridians (归经)
heart, liver, spleen
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies blood and moves blood stasis
- Regulates menstruation - for irregular periods, cramps, PMS
- Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movement
- Relieves pain - abdominal, menstrual, traumatic
- Blood deficiency with pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations
- Postpartum recovery
- Swelling and pain (external - traumatic injury)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used in decoctions, tinctures, capsules, and sometimes as tea. The distinctive strong, aromatic smell is characteristic. Almost always used in combination formulas rather than alone.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 6-15g daily (simmered 20-30 min). Powder/Capsules: 500-3000mg daily. Tincture: 2-4ml 2-3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Late autumn, after the aerial parts die back, from plants 2-3 years old. Roots are dug, cleaned, and dried with smoke in the traditional method.
Quality Indicators
Large, fleshy roots with strong aromatic odor and slightly sweet, bitter, pungent taste. The best quality (Min Gui from Gansu) has cross-section with brown oil spots (phthalides). Should be flexible, not brittle. The oil content determines quality - more oil = better quality.
Storage
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. The essential oils can evaporate, so keep well-sealed. Can be stored for 1-2 years. Best used within 1 year for maximum potency.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus - contraindicated in first trimester)Heavy menstrual bleeding (may worsen)Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant useDiarrhea or loose stools (moistens intestines)Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine)Children
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, bloating)
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity - rare)
- Increased menstrual flow
- Headache (in high doses)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants / blood thinners (increased bleeding risk)
- Hormone therapies (estrogen, progesterone, HRT)
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Immunosuppressants
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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