dong quai
patient counselling
How does it work?
In TCM, dong quai has been used for thousands of years. It is believed by traditional practitioners to return the body to proper order by “nourishing the blood” and “harmonizing vital energy”. Dong quai is most often used in combination with other herbs and is used as a component of formulas for liver qi (energy) stasis and spleen deficiency.(1)
In modern medicine, dong quai use in menopause is due to perceived effects on estrogen metabolism by plant phytochemicals – which includes phytosterols.(1,2) However, it remains unclear if dong quai has agonist, antagonist, or no significant hormonal effects.2 Effects on estrogen have only been observed in animal models, with human trials showing negative results. This indicates that dong quai may affect vasomotor symptoms by an as-yet unknown mechanism.
When do I take it?
Take 1 capsule daily, whenever it is convenient and safe for you to do so.(1)
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Dong quai commonly causes diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and irritability.(2,3)
It is can also cause skin photosensitivity – take care to avoid extended sunlight exposure and wear sunscreen.(4)
Who should not take Dong Quai?
· Individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity
· Women who are pregnant, suspect they might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant
· Women who are actively breastfeeding
· Those at risk for skin cancer (potentially carcinogenic)(4)
· Individuals on anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (including warfarin)(2,3)
· Individuals with hormone-sensitive breast cancer
In TCM, dong quai has been used for thousands of years. It is believed by traditional practitioners to return the body to proper order by “nourishing the blood” and “harmonizing vital energy”. Dong quai is most often used in combination with other herbs and is used as a component of formulas for liver qi (energy) stasis and spleen deficiency.(1)
In modern medicine, dong quai use in menopause is due to perceived effects on estrogen metabolism by plant phytochemicals – which includes phytosterols.(1,2) However, it remains unclear if dong quai has agonist, antagonist, or no significant hormonal effects.2 Effects on estrogen have only been observed in animal models, with human trials showing negative results. This indicates that dong quai may affect vasomotor symptoms by an as-yet unknown mechanism.
When do I take it?
Take 1 capsule daily, whenever it is convenient and safe for you to do so.(1)
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Dong quai commonly causes diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and irritability.(2,3)
It is can also cause skin photosensitivity – take care to avoid extended sunlight exposure and wear sunscreen.(4)
Who should not take Dong Quai?
· Individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity
· Women who are pregnant, suspect they might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant
· Women who are actively breastfeeding
· Those at risk for skin cancer (potentially carcinogenic)(4)
· Individuals on anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (including warfarin)(2,3)
· Individuals with hormone-sensitive breast cancer