Dong Quai
• Botanical name: Angelica sinensis (root)
• Family: Apiaceae (Umbellifer / Carrot family)
• Origin: Native to China; cultivated across East Asia at altitudes in cool, moist climates
• Other Names: Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Tang Kuei
• Parts Used: Mature dried root (whole or sliced); processed forms per TCM tradition
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Short description
An East Asian woman’s tonic is traditionally used to support regular, comfortable menstrual cycles, ease spasmodic cramps, and nourish blood and pelvic circulation. It is also used as a general restorative during midlife transition and convalescence.
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Body Systems Affected
• Reproductive (female) – Comforts menstrual cramps; supports regularity and pelvic circulation.
• Circulatory – Promotes healthy microcirculation and “blood-nourishing” tonic effects (traditional).
• Nervous system – Calming, antispasmodic support for tension-related discomfort.
• Musculoskeletal – Eases smooth-muscle spasm and associated aches.
• Skin / integumentary – Traditional blood-tonic effects linked to a healthy complexion (historical).
• Digestive – Warming aromatic bitter; gently supports motility in some users.
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Summary of Health Benefits
Dong quai is best recognised for its support of menstrual comfort and cycle regulation. Traditionally, it alleviates spasmodic period pain, helps reduce premenstrual tension, and promotes a feeling of pelvic warmth and healthy flow. As a circulatory and “blood-nourishing” tonic, practitioners use it to address low vitality following depletion and to support the perimenopausal transition when combined with other complementary therapies. Its aromatic phthalides (e.g., ligustilide) and phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic acid) provide antispasmodic and vasomodulatory effects, while root polysaccharides offer gentle antioxidant and immune-modulating support.
Benefit Breakdown
⭐⭐ Moderate Evidence (early/mixed studies)
Promising areas: use in conjunction with usual care.
• Menstrual comfort (formulas including dong quai):
What it does: Can reduce cramp intensity and menstrual distress in some studies of multi-herb TCM formulas.
How it works: Phthalides (e.g., ligustilide) and ferulic acid exhibit antispasmodic and vasomodulatory activity.
• Perimenopausal symptom support (mixed/negative as single herb):
What it does: Evidence as a single herb is inconsistent for hot flashes; some formulas report broader quality-of-life benefits.
How it works: Vascular and neuromodulatory effects are proposed; clear estrogenic effects in humans have not been confirmed.
• Circulatory tone & microvascular comfort (preclinical → translational):
What it does: Supports healthy peripheral circulation and vascular relaxation (as an adjunct).
How it works: Ferulic acid and ligustilide demonstrate vasodilatory, antiplatelet and antioxidant mechanisms in preclinical work.
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⭐ Traditional & Nutritional Use
Longstanding tonic use in East Asian practice.
• Women’s blood-nourishing tonic:
What it does: Supports regular cycles, healthy flow, and post-menses vitality.
How it works: Warm, aromatic, “blood-moving” and antispasmodic actions in traditional frameworks.
• Pelvic warmth & comfort:
What it does: Eases cold-type pelvic discomfort and spasms.
How it works: Circulation-promoting aromatics relax smooth muscle.
• Convalescent restorative:
What it does: Rebuilds strength after depletion with an appropriate diet and rest.
How it works: Gentle tonic effects paired with warming bitters.
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Skin & Topical Care
• Local comfort balm (traditional blends)
What it does: Offers soothing warmth over tense lower-abdomen or lower-back areas.
How it works: Aromatic phthalides provide antispasmodic and circulation-supporting effects.
How to use it: Apply a dong–quai–containing herbal oil/liniment 2–3 times a day and keep the area warm.
• Photosensitivity note
Topical or high oral intake may increase sun sensitivity in some individuals; protect skin if you notice reactivity.
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Traditional & Historical Uses
Referenced in classical Chinese texts as a premier women’s root for harmonising the blood, easing pain, and regulating menstruation—often paired with peony, rehmannia, and ligusticum, and combined into balanced decoctions tailored to pattern and constitution.
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Research & Modern Findings
• Estrogenic effects (human RCT): A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women found no estrogenic effect (vaginal cytology/endometrium) from dong quai.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9418683/
• Primary dysmenorrhoea (TCM formula including dong quai): A randomised, double-blind trial of a three-herb formula (incl. A. sinensis) showed no significant benefit vs placebo overall (proof-of-concept).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028206009575
• Constituents & mechanisms (reviews): Phthalides (e.g., Z-ligustilide) and ferulic acid are major bioactives with antispasmodic, vasomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; root polysaccharides show immunomodulatory and hematinic potential in preclinical studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3170324/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3576791/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27211015/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1510976/full
• Safety/interaction signal – anticoagulants: Case and pharmacology literature suggest potentiation of warfarin/bleeding risk with dong quai; monitor closely or avoid with anticoagulants/antiplatelets.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325561/
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.14404
• Regulatory/assessment overview: European assessment summarises traditional use for dysmenorrhoea/irregular menstruation and collates safety observations.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-angelica-sinensis-oliv-diels-radix-first-version_en.pdf
Summary interpretation:
Modern human data for single-herb dong quai are limited and mixed; high-quality trials often evaluate formulas rather than the root alone. Preclinical evidence and long traditional use support roles in menstrual comfort and circulation; apply clinically with pattern-based formulation and safety awareness.
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Emotional, Mental & Spiritual Influences
Emotional – Softens irritability and tension associated with cyclical discomfort.
Mental – Promotes calm focus when pain or spasms distract.
Spiritual – Archetype of warm nourishment and balance; “moves what is stuck.”
How to work with it – Use rhythmically around the cycle as guided; combine with heat, gentle movement, rest, and mineral-rich foods.
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Properties
• Antispasmodic (smooth muscle) – Eases cramping discomfort.
• Circulatory / vasomodulatory – Encourages pelvic and peripheral flow.
• “Blood-moving” & tonic (traditional) – Harmonises flow and vitality.
• Anti-inflammatory/antioxidant (gentle) – Supports a healthy inflammatory tone.
• Taste/character – Warm, aromatic, slightly bitter, sweet-pungent.
• Tissue affinity – Uterus/pelvis, vascular smooth muscle, lower abdomen.
• Energetics – Warming; dispersing; moistening-leaning.
• Direction & pace – Tonifying over weeks; also useful short-term for cramps.
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Actions
• Antispasmodic – Relaxes uterine and intestinal smooth muscle.
• Vasomodulator – Promotes healthy vasodilation and microcirculation.
• Analgesic (mild adjunct) – Eases spasm-linked pain.
• Alterative/tonic (traditional) – Gradual terrain-supporting effects.
• Aromatic bitter – Supports digestive motility in some individuals.
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Active Constituents
• Phthalides (e.g., Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide) – Antispasmodic, vasomodulatory.
• Phenolic acids (ferulic acid) – Vasoprotective, antioxidant.
• Polysaccharides (ASP) – Immunomodulatory, hematinic potential (preclinical).
• Coumarins/furanocoumarins (trace) – May contribute to photosensitivity in susceptible individuals.
• Volatile oils & organic acids – Aromatic, circulation-supporting effects.
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Nutritional Profile (Ranges vary by origin and processing.)
Macronutrients (root)
• Carbohydrates: Predominantly starches and soluble fibre (minor).
• Protein & fats: Low; not a significant source relative to diet.
Minerals (indicative)
• Iron (Fe): Trace–low; traditional “blood-tonic” effects are not nutritional iron replacement.
• Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K): Present in small amounts, variable by soil.
Vitamins & phytonutrients
• Not a meaningful source of dietary vitamins; benefits relate to phthalides, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides (see above).
Bioavailability & preparation notes
• Decoction liberates polysaccharides and phenolics; avoid excessive boiling that drives off aromatics.
• Alcohol-water extracts capture both phthalides (alcohol-soluble) and phenolics/polysaccharides (water-soluble).
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How to Use
• Decoction (traditional): 3–10 g dried root in 500–750 ml water; simmer 20–30 min; 1–2 cups/day.
• Tincture: 1–3 ml (approx. 20–60 drops) up to 3×/day.
• Capsules: 400–1000 mg dried root, 1–3×/day with meals.
• Topical: See Skin & Topical Care (balms/liniments for local warmth).
Use pattern-appropriate formulations with complementary herbs when needed.
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Lifestyle & Wellness Tips
For menstrual comfort, pair dong quai with heat (such as a hot water bottle), gentle movement/stretching, magnesium-rich foods (like greens and seeds), and regular sleep. Track cycle patterns to tailor timing and dose.
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Contraindications & Cautions
• Pregnancy: Avoid (traditional uterine-active herb).
• Heavy menses/bleeding disorders: Use cautiously or avoid; may potentiate anticoagulants/antiplatelets.
• Photosensitivity: Rarely, may increase sun sensitivity—monitor skin.
• Medicines: Caution with warfarin and other anticoagulants/antiplatelets; consult a practitioner.
• Hormone-sensitive conditions: Human RCT found no estrogenic effect, but use clinical judgment.
• General: Discontinue if rash, dizziness, or unusual bleeding occurs; keep out of reach of children.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice & Disclaimer
This product is a natural, plant-based health supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided is educational and reflects traditional and holistic use. Under the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, this product may be classified as a complementary medicine/health supplement and has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for quality, safety, or intended use. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place.
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Cultivation Snapshot
Climate & Sun: Cool, moist mountain climates; sun to partial shade.
Soil & Water: Deep, humus-rich, well-drained loam; steady moisture.
Propagation: By seed or root division; harvest roots in autumn of year 3–4.
Harvest Window: Late autumn after canopy senescence; dry carefully to preserve aromatics.
Sustainability / Notes: Source cultivated roots from GAP/organic producers to ensure quality and species authenticity.
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