Dong quai is a fragrant, perennial plant that grows at high altitudes in the cold, damp mountains of China, Korea and Japan. The dong quai root is harvested and transformed into tablets, powders and other forms to be used as a spice, tonic and drug in the treatment of several conditions such as rheumatism, allergy and menstrual symptoms. Dong quai has been accepted as a safe food additive in the United States and Europe, but the safety of medicinal doses are still somewhat unknown, according to the National Institutes of Health. Studies done thus far have revealed some noteworthy side effects associated with large quantities of dong quai.
Photosensitivity
Dong quai, at very high doses, may increase sensitivity to the sunlight and the risk of sunburn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because of this, a person may experience skin inflammation and rashes when exposed to sunlight while taking dong quai. You should avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen when taking dong quai.
Risk of Bleeding
Some components of dong quai possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties which either make blood too thin or prevent blood from clotting. People who are currently taking blood thinners such as heparin or coumadin, or people with known blood disorders should be extremely careful when choosing to use dong quai.
Cancer
Dong quai contains safrole, a volatile oil, which may be a carcinogen, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of this potential carcinogenic effect, long term use should be avoided. Also, this is the reason why most suntan oils limit the amount of dong quai to less than 1 percent.
Gastrointestinal Issues
It is rather well known that dong quai has somewhat of a laxative effect. With prolonged use of dong quai, you may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and bloating.
Diabetes
Dong quai is known to have high levels of sucrose, therefore, anyone with diabetes or glucose intolerance may experience fluctuations in there sugar levels and should be extremely careful if they choose to take dong quai.
Miscarriage
Dong quai is not recommended for women during pregnancy. Dong quai could possibly have hormonal effects as well as anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties and the effects of dong quai on the uterus are somewhat unknown. Clinical studies have yielded differing results on the effects of dong quai on the uterus, some studies revealed that dong quai stimulates the uterus while other studies have found that it has a relaxing effect on the uterus, according to the National Institutes of Health. There has been one published report of a miscarriage in a woman who was taking dong quai, however, the evidence failed to show whether or not dong quai was the primary cause. The traditional belief is that dong quai increases the risk of abortion.
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