Overview

Dong quai is a plant called Angelica sinensis that has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Dietary supplements and teas that contain dong quai are made from the roots of the plant. These products are used for menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include nausea and an upset stomach. Before taking dong quai, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is dong quai used for?

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is used for various reasons, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. Some common reasons for using dong quai include the following.

• Menopause symptoms
• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Note: The FDA has not reviewed dong quai for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does dong quai work (mechanism of action)?

Dong quai is a plant called Angelica sinensis. It is native to China, where it has a long history of use in the traditional medicine system. Dietary supplements and teas that contain dong quai are made from the roots of the plant.

Although it was originally thought that some of the chemicals in dong quai could copy the effects of estrogen in the body, this does not seem to be the case. Instead, these chemicals may mimic the effects of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin. But it is unclear if or how dong quai may work for symptoms of menopause, PMS, or painful periods.

Herbal products, such as dong quai, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific dong quai product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.

How should I store dong quai?

You should store dong quai according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dong quai?

The most common side effects of dong quai are nausea and an upset stomach. But there is not enough research to know what other common side effects it may cause. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of dong quai that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dong quai?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dong quai are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dong quai may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dong quai and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be more sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking dong quai. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Precautions

Who should not use dong quai?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dong quai.

• Angelica sinensis
• Dong quai
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dong quai products they stock.

What should I know about dong quai before using it?

Dong quai is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep dong quai out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as dong quai, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific dong quai product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Dong quai is available in many forms, including a tea, liquid extract, dried and ground powder, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

If you are using dong quai powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the product label carefully, and follow the instructions on the label. If you are using a dong quai liquid extract, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.

The FDA has not tested dong quai products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking dong quai?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dong quai is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Bleeding problems
• Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Dong quai may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking dong quai, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dong quai could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if dong quai passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does dong quai interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dong quai and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dong quai.

Does dong quai interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking dong quai.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
• Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever

The interactions between dong quai and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with dong quai is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking dong quai with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dong quai?

If you or someone else has used too much dong quai, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take dong quai safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.