What Is Dong Quai?

Dong quai is a medicinal root related to the parsley plant, however, it has a distinctly potent flavour and aroma. It is native to China and Japan. The Chinese name “Dong Quai” translates to “state of return”, alluding to the benefits of this herb.

How to Use Dong Quai (Common Uses)

Dong quai can be taken internally as a tea, decoction, powder, capsules, or extract. Dong quai is traditionally used in combinations with other herbs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a medicine style that often utilizes dong quai, almost never prescribes it without using other herbs in accompaniment.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Dong Quai

A mainstay herb in TCM, dong quai is best known for its use as a tonic herb for a variety of menstrual conditions such as PMS, menopausal symptoms, and any other conditions involving ‘pelvic congestion’. TCM practitioners may also prescribe dong quai alongside astragalus root for blood related immune system disorders. Dong quai can be found in TCM formulas for conditions related to the blood, heart, and liver.

Dong quai is nourishing to the blood. It may be used in a variety of conditions associated with blood deficiency and poor circulation, including paleness, coldness, and anemia.

Western herbalism often combines dong quai with herbs such as licorice root, motherwort, chaste/vitex berry, and black cohosh for a variety of menstrual conditions.

The volatile oils in dong quai, some of which are also responsible for its unique fragrance, have an antispasmodic effect on the uterus.

Dong quai can help to lower blood pressure, however, the duration of this effect is more brief than with other herbs.

As well, dong quai may have benefits that help to increase spleen function. It can help boost the number of red blood cells and platelets in the body, and may be a beneficial herb for heart health.

When taken in higher dosages, dong quai can produce a mild laxative effect.

Dong quai has a powerful antioxidant effect. If it is consumed long term, however, it can temporarily increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

When taken alongside acetaminophen, dong quai may be able to help prevent the liver damage associated with acetaminophen consumption.

Active Constituents in Dong Quai

Volatile oil, phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, vitamins, polysaccharides.

Notable Facts About Dong Quai

According to a Chinese folk story, a monk once dreamed of an angel telling him to use dong quai to cure the plague that was ravaging the country at that time.

Unless used under the guidance of a qualified herbal practitioner, dong quai should be avoided during pregnancy. Caution should be used when breastfeeding and taking dong quai at the same time, as in some cases it may cause a rash for the baby.

Dong quai may interact with anticoagulants.