Dong Quai Root

Dong Quai Root (from Angelica sinensis) is one of the most famous herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s often called “female ginseng” because of its long history of use for women’s health, blood circulation, and vitality.

Dong Quai Root

• The dried root of Angelica sinensis is native to China, Korea, and Japan.
• Appearance: thin, yellow-brown root slices with a sweet, slightly bitter, earthy aroma.
• Used in decoctions (herbal teas), soups, powders, and tinctures.

Key Active Compounds

• Ferulic acid → antioxidant, supports blood vessels.
• Ligustilide → improves circulation, relaxes smooth muscles.
• Polysaccharides → immune support & energy balance.
• Coumarins & phytosterols → hormone-modulating effects.

✅ Health Benefits of Dong Quai Root

1. Women’s Hormonal Balance

• Helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce PMS symptoms.
• Used to ease menopause discomfort (hot flashes, mood swings).

2. Menstrual Comfort

• Relieves cramps by relaxing uterine muscles.
• Supports recovery from irregular or painful periods.

3. Blood & Circulation

• Considered a “blood tonic” in TCM — enriches and invigorates the blood.
• May support anemia recovery and general fatigue.

4. Bone & Joint Health

• Helps maintain bone strength, especially for postmenopausal women.

5. Immune System Balance

• Strengthens resistance to illness and reduces inflammation.

6. Skin & Hair Vitality (TCM use)

• Believed to improve complexion and promote hair growth by nourishing the blood.

How to Use Dong Quai Root

• Decoction (Traditional Tea): 3–5 g sliced root simmered in 2–3 cups water for 20–30 minutes.
• Often combined with peony root, goji berries, or ginseng in TCM formulas.
• Soup/Stew Additive: Added to chicken or bone broth for women’s postpartum recovery.
• Powder: Root can be ground and used in capsules or smoothies.

Safety & Precautions

• Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions).
• Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
• May interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin).
• Should be avoided in hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast or ovarian cancers).
• Can increase sun sensitivity → use sunscreen if consuming regularly.

Fun Facts

• Dong Quai has been used for over 2,000 years in China, often prescribed in combination with other herbs.
• In TCM, it’s considered warming and nourishing, used to “move stagnant blood” and restore balance.
• Still widely used today in herbal formulas for women’s vitality, fertility, and longevity.