Dong Quai Menstrual Ease & Comfort

Category: Women's Health

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is the primary female blood tonic in TCM, rarely used alone. Ferulic acid and phthalide compounds relax uterine smooth muscle and improve pelvic blood flow. Coumarin content creates significant drug interaction risk requiring assessment before use.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Menstrual cramping, irregular periods, poor pelvic blood flow

Ingredients

• Dong quai root (Angelica sinensis) (3 g dried root (decoction) or 250mg 4:1 extract)

How to prepare

1. IMPORTANT: This remedy requires practitioner assessment before use due to significant anticoagulant interaction risk. Confirm no contraindications. 2. Traditional decoction: simmer 3–9g of dried dong quai root slices in 500ml water for 20 minutes. Strain and drink warm, twice daily between periods. 3. Standardised extract: 250–500mg of 4:1 extract twice daily with meals. Use between periods only. 4. Do NOT combine with any blood-thinning medication (warfarin, aspirin, heparin, clopidogrel) — documented haemorrhage cases. 5. Avoid during pregnancy — dong quai has uterotonic properties. 6. Dong quai contains psoralens that increase UV skin sensitivity — use sunscreen during supplementation.

Why it works

Phthalides and ferulic acid relax uterine smooth muscle; coumarins improve circulation; used between periods

Time to effect

Menstrual regularity improvement after 3 months

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, anticoagulant use, hormone-sensitive cancer, active menstruation. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

When to take it

preventive

Common mistakes

• Taking throughout the entire cycle — dong quai is a cycle-phase specific herb; use only in days 1–14
• Using during heavy periods — it increases blood flow and may worsen heavy bleeding
• Combining with blood thinners without medical supervision — dong quai has anticoagulant properties

Sources

• Dong quai pharmacology and gynaecological use review (2006): Review of Angelica sinensis pharmacology and clinical evidence in menstrual disorders and menopause.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.