Posted by Ingrid Bauer, MD, MS on Mar 12th 2025
Dong Quai is one of the oldest and most revered herbs used in East Asian herbalism. It has been widely adopted in Western herbalism as an important medicinal for women’s health.
Key Takeaways
- Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is an East Asian herbal medicine highly prized for women’s health, blood-building properties, and circulatory support.
- The therapeutic part is the root and it is packed with vitamins, polysaccharides, and essential oils.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is classified as a Blood tonic, which is incorporated in many menstrual support, anemia, and menopause herbal formulas.
- It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and liver-protective properties.
- Used in combination with other herbs such as astragalus for nutrition, peony for menstrual problems, and rehmannia for relief in menopause.
- It is generally safe, though it should be avoided with blood-thinning agents and used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.
Botanical Information
Dong quai, Angelica sinensis, is a perennial herb in the Apiacea family, which contains many medicinal and culinary plants (including carrots, celery, parsley, cilantro, and others). It is closely related to other Angelicas including Angelica archangelica from Europe, Angelica dahurica from East Asia, and Angelica brewerii from North America’s West Coast.
The Latin genus name, Angelica, means “angelic.” Scholars translate the Chinese name dang gui to “state of return”, referring to the herb’s actions of regulating qi and nourishing the Blood, resulting in a return to balance in the body.
The root is the primary medicinal part of the plant, and it has a strong but pleasant, sweet smell and flavor reminiscent of parsley. Most dong quai is grown in China at higher, cooler elevations in partial shade with ample rainfall. The roots are harvested in the fall from 2-3 year old plants, and dried whole or in slices. Increasingly, we can source organically grown dong quai.
To the untrained eye, many members of the Apiaceae family are difficult to tell apart, and since this family contains highly toxic members, including Poison Hemlock and Water Hemlock, it’s important never to harvest or eat wild Apiaceae members without expert identification!
History and Folklore
The use of dong quai was documented in China in the first published materia medica, the Divine Husbandman’s Classic, during the Han Dynasty (between 25-225 CE). The herb is also included in the Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet, a classical clinical text from circa 220 CE. Even 2000 years ago, Chinese physicians were using herbs in combinations, and dong quai was central to many traditional formulas used for gynecological complaints. The classical formula Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) dates back to these early texts, and is still used today for nourishing the blood and supporting healthy menstruation.
In modern TCM, dong quai is categorized with “herbs that tonify the Blood.” It is considered to have a warm temperature, an acrid and sweet taste, and enters the Heart, Liver and Spleen channels. Traditional doses are 3-15 grams per day of whole root decocted as part of a formula, or 2-4 mL of tincture.
Phytochemistry Of Dong Quai
The most important active constituents of dong quai are essential oils called alkylphthalides (especially ligustilide), as well as polysaccharides and ferulic acid. The roots also contain amino acids, terpenes, and vitamins including B12, A, B1, E and biotin. Ferulic acid has been shown to modify immune cells and cytokines involved in inflammation and joint health. The complex polysaccharides in dong quai have been studied in vitro, animal models, and in human trials, with effects including improving anemia and antitumour effects and enhancing immune function, antioxidation, hepatoprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, hypoglycemia, antiradiation and antiviral properties.
Contemporary Uses Of Dong Quai
Blood Building
In line with its TCM use as an herb that builds Blood, dong quai is often used in anemia, whether due to iron deficiency, chronic inflammation, or bone marrow suppression. It is commonly combined with astragalus and/or added to nourishing meat stews or congees for enhanced nourishment after giving birth or during a prolonged illness.
Muscle Spasm and Vascular Health
One traditional action of dong quai is “moving the Blood,” which refers to multiple physiological effects, including anti-platelet activity and relaxing smooth muscle. This can occur in the vascular system, encouraging blood flow through vasodilation and reducing blood viscosity. It can also support relaxation in smooth muscles, such as the intestines or uterus. A common application of dong quai is in combination with other Chinese herbs that more strongly move the Blood like peony (bai shao) and ligusticum (chuan xiong) for menstrual pain, threatened miscarriage, or digestive cramping. It can also be used in asthma and chronic cough when combined with pinellia root (ban xia) and tangerine peel (chen pi).
Menopause
Dong quai has a long history of use in formulas to support women during peri- and menopause, however, scientific studies have not been able to decisively conclude whether or not the root has estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, or other hormonal or serotonin-modifying actions that explain its benefits. It is commonly combined with other herbs like black cohosh by Western herbalists as in our Season’s Change tincture formula, or TCM with raw rehmannia (sheng di huang) and moutan peony (mu dan pi).
Liver Support
Studies have shown that dong quai polysaccharides can help protect the liver from toxins such as alcohol and acetaminophen, reduce injury caused by viral hepatitis, and lower inflammation caused by high blood sugar and lipids that lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In TCM, dong quai enters the Liver channel and is commonly included in formulas that support the Liver (and menstrual regularity) such as Xiao Yao San.
Safety
Dong quai is considered a very safe herb with minimal toxicity, except for occasional rashes, digestive upset, and allergic reactions. Because of its traditional uses for “moving blood,” it is not recommended to combine with anti-platelet or blood-thinning medications, and Western medical sources recommend against its use in pregnancy or breastfeeding (though it is commonly used in TCM in these populations). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications, consult with a qualified clinician before using dong quai.
Final Thoughts
Dong quai has stood the test of time as one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been increasingly recognized in Western herbalism. Whether used for blood nourishment, menstrual health, muscle relaxation, or liver support, its diverse applications make it a valuable herb. While scientific research continues to explore its mechanisms, its centuries-old reputation speaks to its efficacy. As always, consult a knowledgeable practitioner before adding dong quai to your regimen, especially if you are on medications or have a medical condition.
You May Be Interested In:
https://fiveflavorsherbs.com/blog/supporting-breast-health-with-integrative-medicine/
https://fiveflavorsherbs.com/blog/womens-health-remedies-from-chinese-medicine/
https://fiveflavorsherbs.com/blog/surviving-and-thriving-during-perimenopause-with-herbalism/
https://fiveflavorsherbs.com/blog/eight-key-herbs-for-painful-periods/
Sources:
Chen MP, Yang SH, Chou CH, Yang KC, Wu CC, Cheng YH, Lin FH. The chondroprotective effects of ferulic acid on hydrogen peroxide-stimulated chondrocytes: inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinase gene expression at the mRNA level. Inflamm Res. 2010 Aug;59(8):587-95.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20349328/
Hajirahimkhan A, Dietz BM, Bolton JL. Botanical modulation of menopausal symptoms: mechanisms of action? Planta Med. 2013 May;79(7):538-53.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3800090/#S13
Ren C, Luo Y, Li X, Ma L, Wang C, Zhi X, Zhao X, Li Y. Pharmacological action of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides: a review. Front Pharmacol. 2025 Jan 13;15:1510976. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11770047/
Upton, Roy, et al., Eds. Dang Gui Root: Standards of analysis, quality control and therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopeia, 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What benefits can I expect from using Five Flavors Herbs dong quai-based formulas?
Our dong quai products are traditionally used to nourish and “move” the blood. They can help support menstrual health, ease mild discomfort during the cycle, boost overall vitality, and even support liver function. Each formulation is designed to work synergistically with other herbs for comprehensive support.
- How should I store my herbal products to maintain their potency?
Keep your herbal tinctures and dried herb products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage will help preserve their quality and effectiveness.