Dong quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a plant root frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of ailments including painful menstruation, menopause, female reproductive problems and arthritis. Before you use dong quai, take the time to familiarize yourself with its potential side effects and health risks.
General Safety
There are few studies that adequately assess your risks from using dong quai, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). While generally considered safe in the United States and Europe as a food additive, its properties at medicinal levels have not been fully defined. For this reason, the U.S. National Library of Medicine (USNLM) recommends that you consult your doctor before using dong quai to treat a medical condition, or if you already use any medications, supplements or other herbal preparations.
Cancer
Dong quai may produce actions in your body that mimic the effects of estrogen, the UMMC reports. For this reason, you should not take dong quai if you have any risk factors for the development of hormone-related cancers of the uterus, ovaries or breasts. All individuals should avoid drinking essential oil of dong quai, which has known cancer-causing properties.
Bleeding
Dong quai has anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties that may significantly increase your chances of bleeding, according to the USNLM. Avoid using dong quai products if you have known bleeding disorders or if you take medications that increase your bleeding risks. Examples of these products include warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. Use of certain herbs in combination with dong quai may also increase your bleeding risks, the UMMC notes. Examples of these include ginko biloba, ginseng, feverfew, garlic, turmeric, licorice and Chinese skullcap.
Pregnancy and Abortion
In traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai has a strong historic association with increased possibilities of fetus abortion, the USNLM reports. Additionally, if you are pregnant, dong quai use can put you at risk for both hormonal-related and bleeding-related complications. If you use birth control pills, be aware that doctors do not know if dong quai use raises or lowers your chances of getting pregnant.
Sunlight Sensitivity
If you take high doses of dong quai, you may develop an unusual sensitivity to sunlight resulting in the development of rashes or inflammation, according to the UMMC. The USNLM notes that you should avoid using dong quai if you already use other drugs known to cause light sensitivity, including the skin product tretinoin and certain medications for depression, psychosis, bacterial infection and cancer.
Additional Concerns
You should not give dong quai to a child under the age of 18, the USNLM reports. Additionally, avoid using dong quai if you have known allergies to parsley, carrots, dill, caraway, anise or celery. The USNLM also notes that dong quai use can trigger gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, bloating and loss of appetite.
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