Introduction

Dong quai is an herb with green-yellow flowers. The root has been used to treat symptoms of menopause and ease pain caused by menstrual cramps. Dong quai can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea or applied to the skin as a cream.

What Research Shows

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe for most adults to use dong quai on the skin and to take it orally in small doses for a short time. Dong quai may not be safe for pregnant women. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period or by women who are breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:

• People taking medicine for anxiety should talk to their doctor before taking dong quai. It may interact with the medicine.
• People with high blood pressure should talk to their doctors before taking dong quai. It may interact with their medicine.