Dong Quai

Dong quai suggested uses include stimulating normal menstrual flow, prevent cramping, dysmenorrhea, anemia, constipation, high blood pressure (hypertension), psoriasis, rheumatism, skin depigmentation, and ulcers.

Dong quai effectiveness is controversial. It is apparently more effective in combination with other herbs.

Dong quai is available under the following different brand names: Angelica atropurpurea, Angelica dahurica, Angelica sinensis, Chinese angelica, dang gui, ligustilides, Radix Angelicae sinensis, and tang-kuei.

Dosages of Dong Quai:

Extract

• 1 ml orally three times daily

Other Information

• 1-2 g steeped in boiling water three times daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Menopausal symptoms: 4.5 g powder orally once/day

3-4 g orally divided three times daily with meals

520-1560 mg orally three times daily

side effects of Dong Quai include:

• Photodermatitis (especially A. archangelica)
• Safrole, in essential oil, is a carcinogen
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• May cause genetic mutations (potential mutagen)
• May slow blood clotting

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Dong Quai has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Dong Quai has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Dong Quai has moderate interactions with at least 72 different drugs.
• Mild interactions of dong quai include:
  • anamu
  • danshen
  • devil's claw
  • green tea

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains dong quai. Do not take Angelica atropurpurea, Angelica dahurica, Angelica sinensis, Chinese angelica, dang gui, ligustilides, Radix Angelicae sinensis, or tang-kuei if you are allergic to dong quai or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Breast cancer, endometriosis, hormone-sensitive conditions, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dong Quai?”

Long-Term Effects

• Taking dong quai in large amounts for a long period of time may be unsafe. Dong quai contains chemicals that are considered cancer-causing (carcinogens).
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dong Quai?”

Cautions

• None

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid the use of dong quai during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.