Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai or Chinese angelica, is an herb commonly used in many herbal supplement blends and herbal teas. Practitioners primarily use dong quai medicinally for gynecological disorders. When you are pregnant, it is often hard to determine which herbal supplements and remedies are safe and which you should steer clear of. Always consult your physician before using any herbal remedy, especially when pregnant. You should avoid using dong quai during pregnancy.
Dong Quai
Dong quai goes by a few common names, including tang-kuei and danggui. Traditional holistic practitioners have used dong quai in Korean, Chinese and Japanese medicine for thousands of years. Dong quai is a perennial that grows in high, damp and cold altitudes in the mountains of China, Japan and Korea. Dong quai is a member of the celery family, and is characterized by a purple stem and umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. It bears winged fruits in July and August.
Uses
Dong quai is used to strengthen blood, reduce inflammation, relieve headaches, infections and nerve pain, and as an allergy suppressant. Many women use dong quai to relieve menstrual disorders such as irregular menstrual cycles, cramps, infrequent periods and premenstrual syndrome. Dong quai has also been shown to help some women with symptoms of menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, though the exact reason is unknown.
Dong Quai and Pregnancy
You should avoid using dong quai during pregnancy. The herb can stimulate and relax uterine muscle, leaving women vulnerable to miscarriage and preterm labor. The National Institutes of Health says one report showed that using dong quai within the first three months of pregnancy caused birth defects. Dong quai may also interact with other herbs, including ginger, which some women use to relieve the nausea and vomiting related to morning sickness. Angelica archangelica, a related species, was a known abortion-inducing drug, and dong quai may have similar affects. If you are considering using this or any herbal supplement, consult your physician first.
Warnings
Researchers have conducted very few studies on the effects of dong quai on humans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The Food and Drug Administration warns against use of dong quai during pregnancy and breast-feeding because the effects are unknown. Dong quai has been shown to increase the effects of blood thinners, and may interact poorly with other herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng, licorice, ginger, garlic, feverfew and turmeric.
Considerations
Use caution when consuming any product that contains herbs. Herbal supplements often have several names. Read labels carefully, and consult your physician before taking any herbal supplement.
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