Dong Quai Guide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & Benefits

Dong quai is a plant within the celery household whose roots have been used for hundreds of years in Conventional Chinese language Medication to help ladies’s reproductive well being and within the therapy of quite a lot of illnesses.

Particularly, dong quai root is believed to appease menstrual cramps and ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS), preserve durations common, and alleviate signs of menopause.

It’s additionally generally paired with one other herb, Astragalus membranaceus, in a decoction referred to as Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), which is used for supporting vitality and organ well being.

The primary dong quai advantages are rising blood movement and lowering irritation, in addition to bettering the absorption of Astragalus membranaceus (which helps the immune system and blood and bone well being). 

On this article you’re going to be taught what dong quai is, the primary dong quai unintended effects, who shouldn’t take dong quai, and extra.

What Is Dong Quai? 

Dong quai (also referred to as Angelica sinensis, Danggui, Chinese language Dang Gui, Chinese language angelica, Radix Angelica Sinensis, and feminine ginseng) is a plant that grows in China, Japan, and Korea. Dong quai root has been harvested and utilized in Conventional Chinese language Medication for hundreds of years.

Dong quai root extract is a well-liked herb complement generally taken by ladies to ease cramps and premenstrual syndrome, regulate durations, and relieve signs of menopause (like scorching flashes and night time sweats).

Whereas lots of dong quai’s makes use of are for girls with reference to menstruation and menopause, dong quai is used for males to deal with untimely ejaculation.

Different conventional dong quai makes use of embrace treating heart problems and hypertension and bettering circulation. 

Dong Quai Advantages

Historically, the primary dong quai root makes use of have been . . .

• Improving blood well being and treating anemia
• Relieving dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps)
• Reducing signs of menopause
• Decreasing chest ache and bettering coronary heart perform for these with coronary heart illness
• Decreasing blood stress
• Treating migraines
• Treating amenorrhea (absence of a interval)
• Relieving constipation
• Treating pores and skin points like discoloration or psoriasis
• Soothing premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Supporting bone health

That’s what folks say dong quai root does, however the scientific proof for a lot of of those claims is scarce.

For instance, some analysis exhibits taking a product containing dong quai can reduce scorching flashes and night time sweats in menopausal ladies. The issue with this analysis, although, is that the complement in query contained a cocktail of herbs, so it’s inconceivable to inform if the advantages had been from dong quai or one of many different substances. 

Extra to the purpose, other research has discovered dong quai (by itself) isn’t efficient for treating signs of menopause. 

Dong quai for males is the same story. SS Cream is a topical cream containing dong quai that’s used to deal with untimely ejaculation, and analysis shows it will possibly assist. As soon as once more, although, dong quai is only one ingredient amongst many, and it’s inconceivable to say how useful it might be by itself.

Some animal analysis exhibits dong quai could support bone well being, however there haven’t been any research on people to substantiate this. 

The very best proof of dong quai root’s advantages pertains to irritation. Dong quai appears to protect blood vessels from inflammatory harm and should reduce systemic irritation, which is linked with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and lots of different ailments.   

Moreover, dong quai does appear to enhance blood flow and protect the kidneys by slowing the decline of kidney perform in folks with coronary artery illness. It might even reduce the chance of demise from continual kidney illness.

Dong quai additionally has extra advantages when mixed with one other herb, Astragalus membranaceus, which is used to extend stamina, vitality, and longevity, and to deal with the chilly and flu. This mix is likely one of the most typical Conventional Chinese language Medication natural decoctions referred to as Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT).

Research present the 2 herbs work synergistically to promote the formation of blood cells, improve iron absorption, reduce irritation, and boost the immune system.

Dong Quai Facet Results

There are only a few human research on dong quai, so most unintended effects are based mostly on anecdotal stories from conventional makes use of. A few of these unintended effects embrace . . .

• Pores and skin sensitivity to daylight
• Rashes
• Bloating
• Lack of urge for food
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Complications
• Increased breast size in males (gynaecomastia)

It’s additionally value noting that you just shouldn’t use dong quai in case you’re pregnant. That’s as a result of it will possibly trigger the uterus to contract and increase the chance of miscarriage. Whereas dong quai usually works as a muscle relaxant, it will possibly truly stimulate the muscle mass of the uterus. 

Dong quai additionally contains coumarins, anticoagulant compounds typically used to stop blood clotting. Due to this, you shouldn’t use dong quai in case you take blood thinning medicines like warfarin, because the coumarin may dangerously enhance the chance of bleeding.

Dong Quai Dosage

Dong quai might be taken as a dried herb (which can be utilized to make dong quai tea), powder, pill, or as an injection, and its preparation will have an effect on the right dong quai dosage. 

For instance, you’ll typically see a ratio on bottles of dong quai extract powder, which signifies how a lot precise dong quai the product comprises. A 4:1 extract means 1 gram of powder is equal to 4 grams of the uncooked plant.

The clinically efficient dose of dong quai for enhancing blood movement, lowering irritation, and enhancing the effectiveness of Astragalus membranaceus isn’t but established, however analysis means that 3-to-5 grams of the uncooked plant is adequate.

It’s value mentioning that the dong quai dosage for hormonal steadiness isn’t established as a result of, to date, there’s little proof it meaningfully adjustments or balances hormones in people.

What Is the Greatest Dong Quai Complement?

If you wish to complement with dong quai, you can purchase it from a trusted supply. That’s as a result of natural dietary supplements can be contaminated with toxins like heavy metals or include much less of the important thing substances than what’s on the label. 

In some circumstances, herbs may even have dangerously excessive ranges of poisons like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Many natural dietary supplements include blends of varied crops, which implies you’re possible paying for a bunch of substances you don’t need and infrequently don’t know the way a lot of every herb you’re getting.

Should you’re on the lookout for a secure and 100% pure supply of dong quai, take a look at Genesis, which is a pure greens complement that reinforces vitality ranges, temper, and libido; and enhances coronary heart and circulatory well being and immunity.

Genesis comprises 1.25 grams of a 4:1 dong quai extract per serving, offering the equal of 5 grams of the uncooked plant.

Genesis additionally comprises 3 grams of a 5:1 Astragalus membranaceus extract per serving, offering the equal of 15 grams of the uncooked root. That’s as a result of, as you now know, this natural mixture is efficient for promoting blood cell formation and blood health, reducing irritation, and supporting the immune system.

Moreover, each batch of Genesis is examined for all kinds of contaminants together with arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, mould, and dangerous micro organism, so you may relaxation straightforward realizing you’re getting a secure supply of those herbs.

FAQ #1: What’s dong quai root good for?

Dong quai is nice for enhancing blood movement, lowering irritation, and defending blood vessels and kidneys. It additionally helps the immune system and promotes blood well being, particularly when mixed with one other herb, Astragalus membranaceus.

It will possibly additionally probably work alongside different herbs to enhance signs of menopause, however extra analysis is required.

FAQ #2: Does dong quai steadiness hormones?

There’s no scientific proof that supplementing with dong quai balances hormones. Though it’s been used to help ladies’s reproductive well being, alleviate menstrual cramps, preserve durations, and relieve signs of menopause, no research have proven that it exerts these results by way of balancing hormones. 

FAQ #3: How briskly does dong quai root work?

How rapidly dong quai root will be just right for you is determined by what you’re utilizing it for. Its most important advantages are for enhancing blood movement and lowering irritation, which aren’t results you’ll be capable to really feel. Thus, it’ll be exhausting to inform if it’s working or not. A lot of its claimed advantages aren’t supported by analysis (equivalent to balancing hormones), so that you’re unlikely to note any advantages in these circumstances. 

FAQ #4: Who shouldn’t take dong quai root?

Individuals who take blood thinners (like warfarin) shouldn’t take dong quai as a result of the 2 substances may work together and enhance the chance of bleeding. Ladies who’re pregnant or breastfeeding additionally shouldn’t take dong quai.

Should you’re allergic to crops within the celery household like carrot, coriander, or parsley, you additionally shouldn’t take dong quai. 

FAQ #5: How typically must you take dong quai root?

How typically it is best to take dong quai is determined by why you’re utilizing it. Should you’re utilizing it for menopause signs, it may be supplemented day by day.

Should you’re utilizing it for menstrual cramps or premenstrual syndrome, you may take for so long as your interval lasts.