In traditional Asian medicine, the root of the Angelica sinensis plant, or dong quai, has been used for centuries to treat gynecological and cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, nerve pain and fatigue. As a complementary herbal therapy, dong quai is used in Western cultures to ease menstrual cramps, alleviate menopausal hot flashes and boost energy in women. However, Western clinical research has not confirmed a safe dosage for dong quai or determined whether the root is safe for long-term use. Consult your health care provider before using dong quai as a complementary herbal therapy.
Properties
According to traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai has a warming affect on the internal organs, restoring the flow of blocked fluids and establishing balance in your body's systems. Proponents of dong quai have nicknamed this root the "female ginseng" because it has been used to regulate hormonal activity, increase energy and improve libido in women, properties that have been associated with ginseng in Asian herbalist traditions. The herb may have a weak estrogenic effect, behaving like the female reproductive hormone estrogen. A nutritional analysis of dong quai shows that the herb contains vitamin B-12, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids, which your body converts to vitamin A. Dong quai also contains coumarins, compounds that shorten blood clotting time. The vitamins and other compounds in dong quai may support the immune system, stimulate uterine muscles and promote blood formation.
Recommended Dose
In the United States, dong quai is approved for use only as a food supplement. The medicinal properties of this herb have not been verified, and very little clinical research has been conducted to confirm whether it is safe to use dong quai for long periods of time. Dosage may vary according to the species of the plant and the health condition being treated. In Asian medicine, dong quai is often taken in combination with other herbs rather than as an isolated extract, which may affect dosing. According to Drugs.com, doses of 3 to 15 g of crude extract may be taken daily. Combined with other herbs, dong quai formulations may be taken in doses of 75 mg to 500 mg up to 6 times a day. Consult your health care provider to determine how much dong quai you can safely take and how long you should use this herbal remedy.
Side Effects
The coumarins in dong quai can shorten bleeding time and interfere with the actions of blood-thinning and anti-platelet medications. Dong quai may cause allergic reactions if you have an allergy to anise, caraway, celery or dill. Dong quai is not recommended for women who are pregnant, especially in the first trimester, because the herb may stimulate uterine contractions. Due to its potential estrogenic effects, dong quai is not recommended for women who have breast cancer. Dong quai may cause increased sensitivity to light, especially if you are taking the herb at high doses.
Long-Term Safety
Clinical studies have not verified whether dong quai is safe for long-term use, and recommendations from Western practitioners have been largely based on theory. MayoClinic.com notes that dong quai contains a volatile oil, safrole, which may promote cancer if the herb is taken for an extended period of time. Long-term use may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, indigestion, nausea or bloating. A case of gynecomastia, or enlargement of the mammary glands, was reported in the March 2001 issue of the "Singapore Medical Journal." S.Y. Goh and K.C. Loh, the authors of the article, report that the plant-based estrogenic compounds in dong quai may have contributed to gynecomastia in a man who had been taking dong quai supplements; however, there is no conclusive evidence that dong quai caused this condition. Work with your health care provider to develop a safe approach for using dong quai as an herbal supplement.
References
- Drugs.com: Dong Quai; April 4, 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Dong quai (Angelica sinensis [Oliv.] Diels); April 1, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 16, 2008
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Angelica sinensis (Dong quai) Monograph; 2004
- "Singapore Medical Journal"; Gynaecomastia and the Herbal Tonic "Dong Quai"; S.Y. Goh and K.C. Loh; March 2001
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