Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Dong quai is a plant. People use the root to make medicine.

Dong quai is used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, "tired blood" (anemia), and constipation; and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks. Dong quai is also used orally for the treatment of loss of skin color (depigmentation) and psoriasis.

Some men apply dong quai to the skin of the penis as part of a multi-ingredient preparation for treating premature ejaculation.

In Southeast Asia, other Angelica species are sometimes substituted for dong quai (Angelica sinensis). Most often these include Angelica acutiloba, which is predominantly found in Japan; and Angelica gigas, which is mainly found in Korea. Although these three species are similar, the chemicals they contain are different. Don't think of these species as interchangeable.

How does it work?

Dong quai root has been shown to affect estrogen and other hormones in animals. It is not known if these same effects happen in humans.

Heart disease.
Menopausal symptoms.
Migraine.
Problems during pregnancy.
High blood pressure arteries carrying blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Premature ejaculation.
Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
High blood pressure.
Joint aches and pains.
Ulcers.
Anemia.
Constipation.
Skin discoloration and psoriasis.
Allergies.

By mouth

For menopausal symptoms: 15 chewable tablets of a specific combination product containing dong quai and chamomile (Climex) daily for 12 weeks. A combination formula containing American ginseng, black cohosh, dong quai, milk thistle, red clover, and vitex agnus-castus (Phyto-Female Complex) twice daily for 3 months. 500 mg of an herbal combination product containing burdock root, licorice root, motherwort, dong quai, and Mexican wild yam root three times daily for 3 months.

By skin

For early orgasm in men (premature ejaculation): a multi-ingredient cream preparation containing Panax ginseng root, dong quai, Cistanches deserticola, Zanthoxyl species, Torlidis seed, clove flower, Asiasari root, cinnamon bark, and toad venom (SS Cream) was applied to the glans penis 1 hour before sex and washed off immediately before sex.

Dong quai is SAFE for adults when taken by mouth and when occasionally applied to the skin as an ingredient in a cream. More evidence is needed to determine its safety after prolonged or repeated use.

Dong quai can cause skin to become extra-sensitive to the sun. Wear sun block outside, especially if you are light-skinned.

Taking dong quai in large amounts for a long period of time is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking dong quai by mouth during pregnancy is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for the baby. Dong quai seems to affect the muscles of the uterus. There is also one report linking an herbal combination that contained dong quai with birth defects in a baby whose mother took the combination during the first three months of pregnancy. Don't use dong quai if you are pregnant.

There isn't enough information about the safety of using dong quai during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and don't use it.

Bleeding disorders. Dong quai might slow blood clotting. In theory, dong quai might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Dong quai might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use dong quai.

Protein S deficiency: People with protein S deficiency have an increased risk of forming blood clots. There is some concern that dong quai might increase the risk of clot formation in these people because it has some of the effects of estrogen. Don't use dong quai if you have protein S deficiency.

Surgery: Dong quai can slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking dong quai at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.