Herbalists have used angelica sinensis, or dong quai root, for thousands of years for the treatment of many different ailments. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Treating breast cancer often requires using multiple drug therapies. Many people wish to use herbal remedies to avoid the side effects and adverse reactions from typical drug treatments. However, using dong quai for breast cancer may harm more than help. You should always consult your oncologist before using dong quai or any other herbal supplement.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a perennial plant that grows natively in the damp, cold mountains of Japan, Korea and China. It is a member of the celery family and is characterized by purple stems and clusters of umbrella-shaped white flowers. Traditional Chinese herbalists use dong quai to treat menstrual disorders such as painful or irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
Breast Cancer
Approximately 202,964 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More treatments than ever exist to help fight this hormone-based cancer. While it is not clear what causes breast cancer, physicians do know that some breast cells grow abnormally, with cells dividing rapidly. These rapidly dividing cells form a tumor, which may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Many breast cancers are sensitive to hormones, and hormone-blocking agents are usually part of the breast cancer treatment along with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
Dong Quai and Breast Cancer
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that people suffering from breast cancer should not use dong quai. Dong quai contains chemicals that work like estrogen within the body. This excess hormone may exacerbate breast cancer and possibly cause growth of tumors. As of 2011, no evidence exists that dong quai may help treat breast cancer. In fact, the use of the herb may harm breast cancer patients.
Dong quai may also interfere with tamoxifen, a popular cancer drug used in the treatment of breast cancer. Insufficient evidence exists to show whether dong quai will harm breast cancer patients, but experts recommend caution. You should always consult your oncologist before use.
Warnings
Pregnant women should avoid the use of dong quai because it stimulates uterine contractions and may lead to miscarriage or preterm labor. Dong quai may also interfere with anticoagulant medications causing an increased risk of bleeding. Taking dong quai with other herbs that thin blood such as ginseng, licorice, turmeric, feverfew, garlic, ginger and Chinese skullcap may also increase risk of bleeding. Taking dong quai with St. John's wort may increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
Member Comments