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Safety Overview
1.Dong Quai — Plant Snapshot
Dong Quai, scientifically known as Angelica sinensis, is a revered perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, which also includes parsley and carrots. This robust plant typically reaches 1 to 2 meters tall. It features sturdy, often purplish stems and foliage consisting of tripinnate leaves with finely serrated margins.
In summer, it produces intricate compound umbels bearing small, delicate white flowers that eventually yield flattened, oval-shaped fruits. The primary medicinal component is its deeply ridged, fleshy root, which emits a strong, aromatic fragrance and has a complex flavor profile: subtly sweet yet distinctly pungent.
Angelica sinensis is indigenous to the cool, moist, high-altitude mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea, where it thrives. These conditions are believed to enhance the potency and quality of its therapeutic roots.
Dong Quai has a significant historical legacy in traditional medicine, with its earliest documented applications dating back to the 1st century AD in the ancient Chinese herbal classic, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing.
Throughout millennia, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has esteemed it as a fundamental 'blood tonic,' predominantly recognized for its significant influence on women's health. It addresses issues such as:
• Menstrual irregularities
• Menopausal symptoms
• Postpartum recovery
Its adaptability and high demand have led to extensive cultivation across various regions, ensuring a consistent supply of this vital herb for both traditional and modern therapeutic applications.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Angelica sinensis:
Dong Quai should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed medicinal plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Dong Quai — Defining Traits
- ✓Traditional Chinese Medicine — Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) staple for millennia.
- ✓Renowned for supporting — Renowned for supporting women's reproductive health.
- ✓Often called 'female — Often called 'female ginseng' due to its comprehensive benefits.
- ✓Distinctive aromatic and pungent — sweet root.
- ✓Rich in coumarins, — Rich in coumarins, phthalides, and polysaccharides.
- ✓Grown in specific cool, moist, high — altitude environments.
- ✓Used in decoctions, — Used in decoctions, tinctures, and powdered forms.
- ✓Requires careful consideration — Requires careful consideration of contraindications and drug interactions.
- ✓Recognized for its — Recognized for its 'blood tonic' and circulatory properties.
- ✓Culturally significant beyond — Culturally significant beyond its medicinal applications.
1.2.Dong Quai — At-a-Glance Summary
- ✓Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb, Angelica sinensis, primarily used for women's health.
- ✓Known as a 'blood tonic' in TCM, addressing menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
- ✓Key active compounds include ligustilide, ferulic acid, and polysaccharides.
- ✓Requires careful use due to potential side effects like photosensitivity and increased bleeding risk.
- ✓Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormone-sensitive conditions.
- ✓Cultivated in cool, moist, high-altitude regions of East Asia.
2.Dong Quai — Scientific Identity
3.Dong Quai — Categories & Tags
4.Dong Quai — Plant Morphology
5.Dong Quai — Cultural & Traditional Roles
6.Dong Quai — Bioactive Constituents
- ✓Coumarins — Key compounds include ligustilide, n-butylidenephthalide, and ferulic acid, known for their antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties.
- ✓Phthalides — Such as Z-ligustilide and butylphthalide, contribute to the herb's characteristic aroma and exert vasodilatory and antispasmodic effects.
- ✓Polysaccharides — Particularly Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), which exhibits immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
- ✓Flavonoids — Including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
- ✓Essential Oils — Comprising various monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which contribute to the herb's aromatic profile and possess antimicrobial and sedative properties.
- ✓Fatty Acids — Such as linoleic acid and palmitic acid, playing roles in cellular structure and metabolic processes.
- ✓Phytosterols — Including beta-sitosterol, which may contribute to cholesterol-lowering effects and anti-inflammatory actions.
- ✓Vitamins and Minerals — Contains small amounts of vitamins B12, A, and E, as well as iron, crucial for overall health and blood formation.
- ✓Amino Acids — Essential building blocks for proteins, supporting various physiological functions.
7.Dong Quai — What Research Suggests
- ✓Menstrual Regulation — Dong Quai is traditionally employed in TCM to harmonize menstrual cycles and alleviate the discomfort of menstrual cramps by fostering healthy blood circulation and mitigating uterine spasms.
- ✓Menopausal Symptom Relief — This herb is recognized for its potential phytoestrogenic effects, which may assist in managing various menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- ✓Blood Nourishment (TCM) — In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Angelica sinensis is highly valued as a 'blood tonic' for its ability to enrich and invigorate blood, addressing conditions like anemia or 'blood deficiency' syndromes.
- ✓Circulatory Support — Compounds within Dong Quai are believed to enhance microcirculation, promoting better blood flow throughout the body and aiding in the resolution of stagnant blood conditions.
- ✓Pain Management — Its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its traditional use in reducing various types of pain, especially those associated with menstruation or musculoskeletal discomfort.
- ✓Anti-inflammatory Action — Research suggests that certain constituents in Dong Quai possess anti-inflammatory capabilities, potentially mitigating inflammatory responses in the body.
- ✓Antioxidant Properties — The herb contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- ✓Immune System Modulation — Some studies indicate that polysaccharides found in Dong Quai may help modulate immune responses, supporting overall immune health.
- ✓Gastrointestinal Health — Traditionally used to promote digestive regularity and alleviate constipation, it may also have mild antispasmodic effects on the digestive tract.
- ✓Bone Health Support — Emerging research hints at potential benefits for bone density, possibly related to its phytoestrogenic activity, though more studies are needed.
7.1.Dong Quai — Conditions Traditionally Used For
8.Dong Quai — Adverse Effects
8.1.Dong Quai — Caution Notes
- ✓Photosensitivity — Dong Quai can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to sunburn or skin rashes.
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as burping, gas, or bloating.
- ✓Bleeding Risk — It may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding, especially in susceptible individuals.
- ✓Blood Pressure Changes — Rarely, some users have reported elevated blood pressure, particularly with high doses.
- ✓Estrogenic Effects — Due to its potential to act like estrogen, it may cause hormonal fluctuations in sensitive individuals.
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Although uncommon, allergic reactions like skin rash or itching can occur.
- ✓Potential Carcinogenicity — Long-term use of high doses is possibly unsafe due to certain chemicals that might be carcinogenic.
8.2.Dong Quai — Safety Profile
- ✓Pregnancy — Contraindicated during pregnancy as it may affect the uterus and increase the risk of birth defects.
- ✓Breastfeeding — Insufficient reliable information on its safety during breastfeeding; therefore, avoidance is recommended.
- ✓Bleeding Disorders — Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid Dong Quai due to its potential to slow blood clotting.
- ✓Hormone-Sensitive Conditions — Not recommended for conditions like breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids due to its estrogenic activity.
- ✓Surgery — Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to minimize the risk of increased bleeding.
- ✓Drug Interactions — May interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (e.g., warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding; also with estrogen medications.
- ✓Dosage — Adhere to recommended dosages; high doses or prolonged use (over 6 months) are considered possibly unsafe.
9.Dong Quai — Application Forms
- ✓Decoction — The most traditional method; dried Dong Quai root slices are simmered in water for 20-30 minutes to create a potent tea.
- ✓Tincture — Alcohol-based extracts of the root are prepared by steeping the herb in alcohol for several weeks, allowing for concentrated dosing.
- ✓Powdered Form — Dried roots are ground into a fine powder, which can be encapsulated or mixed into beverages or foods.
- ✓Herbal Formulas — Often combined with other herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions to enhance its effects or address specific conditions.
- ✓Topical Applications — Infused oils or poultices made from the root may be applied externally for localized pain or circulatory issues.
- ✓Culinary Use — Though potent, small amounts of the root can be added to broths, soups, or stews as a functional food for its health benefits.
- ✓Syrups and Elixirs — The root can be incorporated into medicinal syrups, often combined with honey or other sweeteners for palatability and preservation.
10.Dong Quai — Growing Guide
- ✓Soil Preference — Thrives in deep, moist, well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, rich in organic matter.
- ✓Climate Requirements — Prefers cool, humid climates with ample rainfall, mimicking its native mountainous habitats.
- ✓Propagation — Primarily propagated by seeds, which require stratification for optimal germination, or by root division in established plants.
- ✓Planting — Seeds are typically sown in spring or autumn; seedlings are transplanted when robust enough, spaced adequately for root development.
- ✓Watering — Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, but avoids waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- ✓Fertilization — Benefits from organic fertilizers or compost applied during the growing season to support robust root growth.
- ✓Pest and Disease Management — Generally resistant, but may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils or aphid infestations.
- ✓Harvesting — Roots are typically harvested in late autumn or early spring of the second or third year, when medicinal compounds are at their peak.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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