People who have chronic diarrhea or abdominal bloating should not use dong quai. People who are at risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should not take dong quai because researchers are not sure if it acts like estrogen in the body.

Is it safe to take dong quai?

When taken by mouth: Dong quai is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken for up to 6 months. It is typically used in combination with other ingredients at a dose of 100-150 mg daily. It can cause skin to become extra-sensitive to the sun. This might increase the risk for sunburn and skin cancer.

Is dong quai carcinogenic?

Dong quai is generally believed to be nontoxic. According to Chinese studies, which may not have been up to current scientific standards, very large amounts have been given to rats without causing harm.

What are the side effects of dong quai?

What are the side effects of dong quai?

• difficulty breathing.
• drop in blood pressure.
• drowsiness.
• fever.
• headaches.
• increased bleeding risk.
• low blood sugar.
• stomach upset.

Does dong quai have estrogen in it?

Conclusion(s): Used alone, dong quai does not produce estrogen-like responses in endometrial thickness or in vaginal maturation and was no more helpful than placebo in relieving menopausal symptoms.

Dong Quai - 5 Science Backed Benefits Of Dong Quai

23 related questions found

What happens if you take too much dong quai?

Dong quai can be harmful if you take too much. Some of its compounds can make your skin sensitive to the sun and cause a rash. Others have been shown to cause cancer and birth defects in animals. Other reports suggest that taking the root can sometimes cause fever and heavy menstrual bleeding.

What are the health benefits of dong quai?

Dong quai is used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, "tired blood" (anemia), and constipation; and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks.

Is dong quai FDA approved?

Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Dong quai should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Dong quai is often sold as an herbal supplement.

Does dong quai balance hormones?

Dong Quai: a Chinese herb used a lot in western herbal medicine. It's commonly used to balance hormone excesses and deficits. It's excellent for treating absent or painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms.

Does dong quai affect birth control?

Although there is little research on the use of dong quai with hormone medications -- such as estrogens, progesterones, oral contraceptives, tamoxifen or raloxifene -- health care providers advise against using them together, due to the possibility of adverse effects, unless you are under the supervision of a doctor.

How much dong quai is toxic?

Acute toxicity studies indicate that administration of Dong quai produced no effects at a dose up to 5000 mg/kg; similar results were observed in subchronic studies.

Does dong quai interact with any medications?

Dong quai may interact with some medications and herbs, includin the following: Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets: Dong quai may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.

Will dong quai start my period?

Dong quai is an herb native to China and a popular herbal remedy that's been used for hundreds of years. It's thought to help induce a period by improving blood flow to the pelvis as well as by stimulating the muscles in the uterus and triggering uterine contractions.

Does dong quai shrink fibroids?

[48] Dong Quai and Peony Powder reduce blood estrogen levels and inflammatory compounds in the uterus. Four Substance Decoction treats both fibroids and endometriosis in women who are affected by poor diet or overfatigue.

Does black cohosh increase estrogen?

In some parts of the body, black cohosh might increase the effects of estrogen. In other parts of the body, black cohosh might decrease the effects of estrogen. Black cohosh should not be thought of as an "herbal estrogen" or a substitute for estrogen.

Can you take black cohosh and dong quai together?

No interactions were found between black cohosh and dong quai. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What herb has the highest estrogen?

The six highest ER-binding herbs that are commonly consumed were soy, licorice, red clover, thyme, tumeric, hops, and verbena. The six highest PR-binding herbs and spices commonly consumed were oregano, verbena, tumeric, thyme, red clover and damiana.

What happens when your estrogen is too low?

Low estrogen levels can interfere with sexual development and sexual functions. They can also increase your risk for obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

What are the signs of hormonal imbalance?

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women include:

• heavy, irregular, or painful periods.
• osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones)
• hot flashes and night sweats.
• vaginal dryness.
• breast tenderness.
• indigestion.
• constipation and diarrhea.
• acne during or just before menstruation.

How much dong quai should I take?

Dosing. Several forms of the plant exist and dosages vary widely: crude root extract by decoction ranges from 3 to 15 g/day; powdered root, 1 to 2 g 3 times a day; and tablets 500 mg up to 6 times a day.

How long does it take for dong quai to work?

The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks. In Traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is typically used in combination with herbs such as peony and osha for menopausal symptoms and menstrual cramps.

Is dong quai safe for pregnancy?

DO NOT use dong quai during pregnancy. It may cause the uterus to contract and raise the risk of miscarriage.

How does dong quai affect estrogen?

Dong quai exhibits estrogenic activity in vitro ⁽¹⁵⁾ and stimulates proliferation of MCF-7 cells ^(16)(17). Patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult with their physicians before using this herb.

Is dong quai relaxing?

Dong quai's ability to relax smooth muscle is thought to be due to its volatile oil-containing fraction, especially the phthalides. The aqueous extract, which contains ferulic acid, appears to act as both a uterine stimulant and relaxant.

What does dong quai do to the uterus?

Because dong quai dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation in the uterus, regular use can sometimes make menstrual flow heavier. Many herbalists recommend that dong quai be stopped during the actual menstrual period in individuals prone to heavy menses.