Common names: Dang-gui, Chinese angelica
Botanical name: Angelica sinensis
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Greenish-white flowers bloom from May to
August, and the plant is typically found growing in damp mountain ravines, meadows, river
banks, and coastal areas. The root is used in herbal medicine.
Dong quai has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Also known as dang-gui in Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), dong quai is sometimes referred to as the female ginseng. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, dong quai is often included in herbal combinations for abnormal
menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow,
dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and uterine bleeding. It is not used in TCM for
treating symptoms associated with menopause,
such as hot flashes. It is also used in TCM for both men and women with cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and problems with peripheral
Traditionally, dong quai is believed to have a balancing or “adaptogenic”
effect on the female hormonal system. Contrary to the opinion of some authors, dong quai does
not qualify as a phytoestrogen and does not appear to have any hormone-like actions in the
body. This is partially supported by a double-blind trial with menopausal women that found no estrogenic activity for
the herb.2 In Traditional Chinese
Medicine, dong quai is rarely used alone and is typically used in combination with herbs
such as peony and ligusticum for conditions such as menstrual cramps.3
Dong quai has been traditionally used as a way to promote formation of red blood cells, an
effect partially supported in a case study of a man with kidney failure who had a significant
improvement in anemia due to dialysis while drinking a tea composed of dong quai and
peony.4 No clinical trials have examined dong quai alone for this purpose, or for
the treatment of other forms of anemia.
How much is usually taken?
The powdered root can be used in capsules or tablets.5 Women may take 3–4
grams daily in three divided applications. Alternatively, 3–5 ml of tincture may be
taken three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Dong quai may cause some fair-skinned people to become more sensitive to sunlight. People
using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of
ultraviolet radiation. Dong quai is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.6
Are there any drug
Certain medicines may interact with dong quai. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
1. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries. Rochester, VT: Healing
Arts Press, 1992, 65–72.
2. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic
effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil
3. Qi-bing M, Jing-yi T, Bo C. Advance in the pharmacological studies of
radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Chinese danggui). Chin Med J
4. Bradley RR, Cunniff PJ, Pereira BJG, Jaber BL. Hematopoietic effect of
Radix angelicae sinensis in a hemodialysis patient. Am J Kidney Dis
5. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave
Press, 1996, 28–9.
6. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide
for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 28–9.