Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai
For the health condition: Hot Flashes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a remedy for various female reproductive issues, including menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Its reputation as the "female ginseng" stems from its traditional use to nourish the blood, regulate menstrual cycles, and alleviate discomfort during menopause. However, scientific studies investigating Dong Quai's effectiveness for hot flashes have produced inconsistent and generally unconvincing results. Several clinical trials and systematic reviews have found little to no significant benefit of Dong Quai alone or in combination with other herbs for the reduction of hot flashes compared to placebo. The herb does contain phytoestrogens, which theoretically could influence estrogenic activity in the body, but clinical validation is lacking. Despite the limited scientific support, Dong Quai continues to be used in traditional and integrative medicine settings for menopausal symptoms, primarily based on historical precedent rather than robust modern evidence.
Other ingredients used for Hot Flashes
27-deoxyactein8-Prenylnaringenin
Aconite
Anemarrhena
ashwagandha
black cohosh
Bombax
Broussonetia
cohosh
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dong quai
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
evening primrose oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
isoflavones
licorice root
maca
Menthol oil
Patrinia
Phytoestrogens
red clover
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
Sophora
Soy
soy isoflavones
soybean
St. John's Wort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
Wild yam
Winter Begonia
Other health conditions supported by dong quai
AmenorrheaAnemia
Circulation (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Hot Flashes
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
Vaginal Dryness
