Dong quai is dubbed the "female ginseng," as it is used to address health issues that concern women, such as painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome and symptoms of menopause. Dong quai root, or Angelica sinensis, is borne out of the tradition of ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, data supplied from the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) tells us that dong quai root is not a phytoestrogen, or plant-based estrogen, and has little effect on female hormones.
History
According to the University of Michigan Health System, dong quai is a member of the celery family. It thrives in damp areas and goes through a prolonged period of bloom, typically from May to August. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) estimates that dong quai has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 1,000 years and has also been used as a spice and tonic. It continues to be used in traditional Chinese medicine, typically along with other herbs, to address painful or abnormal menstruation and uterine bleeding, states the UMHS.
Modern Uses
Dong quai root extract is used for reasons apart from those mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine. Men and women use dong quai root to address cardiovascular disease, according to the UMHS. As for its benefits, the NIH indicates that despite dong quai's long history of use and theoretical applications based on animal studies, there have been scant human studies that suggest dong quai root extract is helpful for any medical condition. The NIH goes on to note that the human studies that have been conducted included dong quai as one of many ingredients, making it difficult to ascertain if dong quai alone has any effects on the human body.
Properties and Preparations
The UMHS states that dong quai root purportedly operates as an "adaptogenic" or balancing herbal remedy--one which exerts an effect on the female hormonal system. However, the health system goes on to state that at least one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicated that female participants did not find dong quai an effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Again, it should be noted that when used in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is usually combined with other herbs. According to the health system, dong quai root preparations can include capsules and tablets made of the dried root and liquid tinctures. Dried dong quai root can also be steeped to make a beverage, such as tea.
Cautions
Don't use dong quai root extract if you're pregnant or nursing, cautions the UMMC. Don't give children dong quai, as its safety factor in this population is unknown. If you have chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating or are at risk for a hormone-related cancer--that is, breast, ovarian or uterine--avoid taking dong quai. Don't drink the herb's essential oils, cautions the UMMC, because it does contain a minute amount of substances that may cause cancer. Taking too much dong quai can result in sun sensitivity, skin irritation and rash.
Drug Interactions
Dong quai root can interact with certain medications, notes the UMMC. Make sure to speak with your doctor if you take blood-thinning medications and hormone medications, such as estrogens, progesterones, birth control pills, tamoxifen and raloxifene. Dong quai may also interact with other herbs, including feverfew, garlic, ginko biloba, ginseng, ginger, licorice, Chinese skullcap, St. John's wort and turmeric.
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