Apiaceae
Dong Quai
Angelica sinensis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: China, Japan, Korea
Also known as: Female Ginseng, Dang Gui, Chinese Angelica, Tang Kuei
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, anemia (Chinese blood tonic), PMS. Central herb in Chinese gynecological medicine. Evidence strongest for use in TCM formulas.
Herbal Actions
Uterine tonic, emmenagogue, blood tonic (Chinese medicine), antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory
Active Constituents
Phthalides (Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide), ferulic acid, polysaccharides, coumarins, volatile oil
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 6–12g dried root simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Best used in TCM formulas (e.g., Four Substances Decoction). Ligustilide relaxes uterine muscle — antispasmodic. Ferulic acid antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Cycle with menstrual cycle: days 14–28. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with anticoagulants (warfarin interaction well documented). Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers. Avoid during heavy bleeding.
Side Effects: Photosensitivity (furanocoumarins). GI upset. Prolonged bleeding time. Heavy menstrual bleeding.