# Plant Monograph: Dong Quai
**Name of plant:**
Dong Quai
**Catch phrase (Carmina Gadelica or traditional invocation if available):**
No Carmina Gadelica invocation is associated with Dong Quai. In Chinese tradition, *Dang Gui* is traditionally regarded as a root that "nourishes and moves the blood," reflecting its central place in classical Chinese medicine.
**Family:**
Apiaceae (carrot family)
**Genus and species:**
*Angelica sinensis* (Oliv.) Diels
**Other names:**
* Dong Quai
* Dong Gui
* Dang Gui
* Chinese angelica
* Female ginseng
* Angelica root
* Chinese angelica root
* *Radix Angelicae Sinensis*
* Chinese: 当归 (*dāng guī*)
* Japanese: *Tōki*
* Korean: *Dang-gwi*
**Brief introduction:**
Dong Quai is a perennial aromatic herb native to the mountainous regions of China and cultivated extensively as a medicinal plant. It has hollow stems, finely divided leaves, and umbels of small white flowers typical of the carrot family. The dried root is the principal medicinal material.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), *Dang Gui* is one of the most important blood-tonifying and blood-regulating herbs. It is traditionally used in formulas for menstrual disorders, painful menstruation, postpartum recovery, weakness associated with blood deficiency, and various circulatory complaints. The European Medicines Agency has assessed *Angelica sinensis* root but did not adopt an EU herbal monograph because the available evidence was insufficient to establish a well-established medicinal use.
**Traditional uses:**
* Traditional "blood tonic" for patterns of blood deficiency
* Support for irregular or painful menstruation
* Traditional treatment for menstrual absence or delayed menstruation
* Postpartum restorative and uterine-supportive herb
* Traditional treatment for pain and conditions associated with poor circulation
**Historical use:**
* Used in Chinese medicine for many centuries as a principal blood-nourishing herb
* Incorporated into classical formulas for menstrual and gynecological disorders
* Traditionally combined with other herbs to regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual pain
* Used in postpartum formulas to restore strength and support recovery
* Traditionally employed for constipation associated with dryness and blood deficiency
**Parts used and method of use:**
* Root
* Root slices, including different traditionally prepared portions of the root
Used as:
* Decoction
* Powdered root
* Tincture or liquid extract
* Ingredient in traditional multi-herb formulas
**Use in healing (modern herbal practice):**
* Traditional support for menstrual discomfort
* Traditional support for menopausal symptoms
* Herbal treatment for dysmenorrhea
* General tonic in traditional blood-deficiency patterns
* Experimental anti-inflammatory and vascular support
**Pharmacology and biochemistry:**
* Phthalides, particularly **Z-ligustilide** and **Z-butylidenephthalide**
* Ferulic acid and related phenolic compounds
* Polysaccharides and volatile oils
Mechanisms:
* Phthalides demonstrate effects on vascular smooth muscle and may contribute to traditional circulatory actions
* Ferulic acid and other phenolics possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
* Experimental studies suggest modulation of inflammatory, serotonergic, and vascular pathways; definitive mechanisms for the traditional clinical effects remain uncertain.
Overall profile: Dong Quai is a major traditional Chinese medicinal root, particularly associated with blood nourishment, menstruation, and women's reproductive health. Its chemistry is well characterized and numerous pharmacological effects have been demonstrated experimentally, but evidence from controlled human trials is insufficient to establish it as an effective treatment for specific gynecological or menopausal conditions.
**Common dosage:**
* Dried root decoction: approximately 6–12 g daily in traditional Chinese herbal practice
* Powdered root: approximately 1–3 g, 2–3 times daily
* Tincture: approximately 2–5 mL of a 1:5 preparation, up to 3 times daily
* Standardized extract: dosage varies considerably according to extract ratio and constituent standardization; follow the manufacturer's preparation-specific directions
**Safety factors (including side effects):**
* May cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, diarrhea, or headache in some individuals
* Dong Quai may increase photosensitivity because of naturally occurring coumarin-related constituents
* Avoid medicinal use during pregnancy unless specifically directed by a qualified practitioner; its traditional use in uterine and menstrual formulas makes unsupervised use inappropriate
* Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication should use particular caution because of possible effects on bleeding
* Long-term safety of concentrated extracts is not adequately established, and medicinal use should be distinguished from the much smaller quantities used as a culinary ingredient
**First aid / adverse reaction response:**
* Gastrointestinal upset: Discontinue use and monitor; seek medical advice if severe or persistent
* Unusual bruising or bleeding: Stop use and seek prompt medical assessment
* Sunburn-like reaction or unusual skin sensitivity: Discontinue use and avoid excessive UV exposure
* Facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reaction: Seek emergency medical attention immediately
**Drug interactions:**
* May theoretically increase bleeding when combined with warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines
* May have additive effects with antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel
* Photosensitizing effects may theoretically be increased alongside other photosensitizing medicines
* General interaction considerations: Concentrated Dong Quai preparations should be used cautiously with prescription medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
**Horticultural requirements:**
* USDA / Canadian zone: USDA Zones 5–9; best cultivated as a cool-climate perennial in Canada
* Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.0
* Light requirements: Partial shade / full sun in cool climates
* Moisture: Consistently moist but well-drained soil
* Other notes (growth habit, harvest timing, etc.):
* Upright perennial herb generally reaching approximately 60–120 cm in height
* Produces white umbels of flowers, usually in the second or third year
* Roots are generally harvested from mature plants in autumn, after the aerial growth begins to die back
* Native to cool, mountainous regions of China, particularly Sichuan, Gansu, Hubei, and surrounding areas
* Propagated primarily by seed; requires a cold period for successful germination and prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil
**Sampling of clinical reports / studies:**
* Clinical trials of Dong Quai for menopausal symptoms have generally been small and inconsistent, with insufficient evidence to establish reliable effectiveness
* Pharmacological studies have demonstrated vascular, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and serotonergic activities in experimental systems
* Phytochemical studies have identified numerous phthalides, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, coumarins, and volatile constituents; Z-ligustilide is among the best-characterized compounds.
* Ethnobotanical and historical evidence is extensive, with *Dang Gui* occupying a central role in Chinese medical traditions concerning menstruation, blood deficiency, postpartum recovery, and circulation
* Overall assessment of evidence: Dong Quai has exceptionally strong historical and traditional documentation and substantial laboratory research, but modern clinical evidence remains insufficient to confirm most of its traditional indications. The EMA has therefore assessed the root without establishing an EU herbal monograph.
Educational Use Only: The information presented on this page is provided for educational, historical, and informational purposes only. ArdNemeton na Tuatha and Bhùth Draoi do not provide medical advice. Always consult your physician and pharmacist before using any herb, mushroom, supplement, or botanical product for medicinal purposes. Traditional uses described herein do not constitute medical claims.