Dong quai root (angelica sinensis)

Table of Contents

Other names

dong quai
female ginseng

Synopsis

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a revered traditional herb in Chinese medicine, often referred to as “female ginseng” due to its powerful effect on the female reproductive system. The root is the medicinal part and is used primarily to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve menstrual pain, balance hormones, and support blood health. It contains ferulic acid, ligustilide, polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, and essential oils, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and blood-tonifying effects.

Dong quai is most commonly used to:

  • Regulate menstruation, especially in cases of irregular periods or amenorrhea
  • Alleviate menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and reduce PMS symptoms
  • Support recovery after childbirth and replenish blood
  • Balance hormones during perimenopause and menopause, including relief from hot flashes and mood swings
  • Act as a blood tonic, improving circulation, skin pallor, and energy
  • Reduce inflammation and muscle tension, often used for joint pain or injuries

In modern herbal practice, dong quai is typically used in capsule, tea, tincture, or included in traditional Chinese formulas with synergistic herbs. While it has mild estrogenic effects, it is considered adaptogenic and balancing, rather than strictly estrogen-promoting.

Historical Use
Dong quai has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is classified as sweet, acrid, and warming, and enters the heart, liver, and spleen meridians. It is considered one of the most important herbs for "nourishing and moving the blood."

In TCM, it is included in many classic formulas to:

  • Tonify blood deficiency, especially in women
  • Invigorate blood circulation, preventing stagnation and pain
  • Harmonize menstruation and restore vitality in postpartum women
  • Treat dizziness, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation due to blood deficiency

Dong quai is often paired with herbs like peony root (bai shao), rehmannia, licorice, and Chinese angelica root to form balanced formulas like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (for blood building) and Si Wu Tang (for menstrual regulation).

In Japanese Kampo medicine, dong quai is also used, especially in formulas for cramping, menopausal symptoms, and post-illness recovery. It was introduced to Western herbalism in the 19th century and remains one of the most widely used female reproductive tonics.

While typically well tolerated, it may be contraindicated in pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or with blood-thinning medications, due to its mild anticoagulant effects.

Today, dong quai is a staple in menstrual, menopausal, and blood-nourishing formulas, often recommended alongside vitex, black cohosh, or maca for holistic hormone support.

Uses: Health Conditions

Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Endometriosis (Traditional)
Estrogen (low) (Traditional)
Fibroids (uterine) (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Menorrhagia (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Menstruation (scant) (Traditional)
Miscarriage (prevention) (Traditional)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements to avoid during) (Neither)
Amenorrhea (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Neither)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
PMS Type A (Traditional)
PMS Type C (Traditional)
PMS Type D (Traditional)
PMS Type H (Traditional)
PMS Type P (Traditional)
PMS Type S (Traditional)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Neither)
Progesterone (low) (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Vaginal Dryness (Traditional)
Vaginitis (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

Body Systems

Muscles (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Pineal Gland (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)