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Dong Quai: Uterine Tonic and Fertility Herb….

by Hethir Rodriguez, MH, CMT

Dong Quai Fertility HerbDong Quai (angelica sinensis) is one of the most powerful females tonic and fertility herbs. Dong Quai tonifies and strengthens the uterus by regulating hormonal control, improving uterine tone, and improving the timing of the menstrual cycle.

In traditional Chinese medicine Dong Quai is referred to as a blood tonic as it has a general effect on circulation. This could be helpful for women experiencing pale menstrual flow, absent periods, and weakness after periods (in TCM this is called blood deficient). It has also been shown to improve red blood cell counts. It is traditionally used for situations of stagnation (PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids) as it increases the blood flow to the reproductive system reducing congestion and pain.

Dong Quai may be helpful for:

Menstrual irregularities
Delayed or absent menstruation
Short periods with cramping
If you experience cramping and PMS during your period.
Women who have stopped taking birth control pills and need to encourage a regular cycle
Light or slow starting menstruation
Stagnant conditions

How Dong Quai Works

Watch Video: Fertility Herb Dong Quai

Dong Quai works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it will stimulate an absent or scanty period. It also nourishes the blood (it is in nearly all Chinese herbal blood-building formulas). Treats iron deficiency and anemia. One of the best uses is it helps women who are not menstruating to invite there menstruation back. The increased circulation also helps to strengthen and balance the uterus. In rat studies it has been show to help build the uterus lining.

Dong Quai also has a relaxing effect on both the uterus and the nervous system. This can be helpful in situations such as PMS and cramping during your period. It’s relaxing effects are just as powerful as well known herbs lavender, chamomile, or valerian root.

When NOT to Use Dong Quai

While Dong Quai is considered safe for most people, there are some instances this herb should not be used.

Not for use during menstruation or pregnancy. Dong quai should not be used by those with diarrhea, hemorrhagic diseases, or excessive menstrual flow. If you are using any anti-coagulant or blood thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin, consult your health care professional prior to using this product. Discontinue use prior to undergoing surgical procedures.

Buy Dong Quai

Dong Quai Capsules

Dong Quai

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We are so confident that you will be more than satisfied with your purchase, that we are providing a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. If for any reason your are unsatisfied with the product, send it back within 30 days of purchase and get a refund.



References:
1. Trickey, Ruth. Women’s Hormones, and The Menstrual Cycle. 2003.
2. Hirata, Janie D.; Swiersz, Lillian M.; Zell, Bonnie; Small, Rebecca; Ettinger, Bruce. Does Dong Quai Have Estrogenic Effects in Postmenopausal Women? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 53(5):295-296, May 1998.
3. Lan-Fang Huang, Bo-Yan Li, Yi-Zeng, Liang Fang-Qiu Guo, and Ya-Li Wang. Application of combined approach to analyze the constituents of essential oil from Dong quai. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Volume 378, Number 2 / January, 2004.

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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }

erica 10.22.09 at 5:37 AM

Is it okay to drink dong quai tea while taking royal jelly, maca, coq10 an dL Argenine?

Dalene 10.22.09 at 6:31 AM

Hi Erica,

Yes it is safe to drink Dong Quai Tea with those supplements.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Gia 12.08.09 at 5:42 PM

If you have the liquid herb.How many drops should you use to start off? Also how many times a day?

Hethir Rodriguez, MH, CMT 12.09.09 at 7:05 AM

Follow the instructions on the product that you purchased. Each product is different so follow the manufacturers recommendations.

anna 12.12.09 at 6:48 AM

Hi I am from Poland so forgive me my mistakes. I bought dong Quai an i have question is it okay to dring donq quai if I have endometriozise.?

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 12.14.09 at 7:53 AM

Hi Anna,

Yes it is safe to take Dong Quai if you have endometriosis. Dong Quai is traditionally used for situations of stagnation (PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids) as it has been shown to increase blood flow to the reproductive system reducing congestion and pain. Dong Quai is one of the many herbs in our Women’s Best Friend Herbal Blend which is part of our EndoWise Kit for women with endometriosis.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Jennifer 02.06.10 at 4:12 AM

I’ve been on birth control for 7 years. I’ve stopped taking it 6 months ago and my body has exploded with acne (face, chest, neck and back). I also have extreme dry eye and haven’t been able to wear contacts for more than a year. I track my body temperature and cervical fluid (the fertility awareness method) even though I’m not trying to get pregnant. I’m just trying to figure out what my body is doing now that it’s off the pill. I’ve had a few cycles where I did ovulate (I could tell from my temps, luteal phase and cervical fluid) but I’ve also had extremely long cycles lasting 100+ days with just spotting. My gynecologist was absolutely NO help. I feel completely lost and know I just need to get things regulated again. Would dong quai be okay to try or do I need to do the whole cleanse? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. I’m 26.

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 02.07.10 at 7:38 AM

Hi Jennifer,

It is extremely difficult to answer your question without knowing even more about you. Many of our readers know they want to try natural therapies to help boost their fertility but don’t know which ones are best for their personal situation.

If you are someone who has questions about what natural fertility therapies may be right for you the Natural Fertility Consultation is for you.

The herb Vitex has been shown to improve acne and normalize ovulation over time.

I get similar questions all the time from women coming off of birth control. Birth Control often contains synthetic hormones or hormones from mare urine. Our livers have to filter these hormones daily and can become overloaded with them. Fertility Cleansing may help with this hormonal overload. The Fertility Cleanse may also help to cleanse the uterus of old stagnant blood and tissues which are not being naturally cleansed each month due to your lack of menstruation.

Lifestyle and Diet changes are very helpful as well. Eating a whole food Natural Fertility Diet and exercising 30 minutes a day 5 times a week may also greatly improve your fertility.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Rose 02.18.10 at 6:58 AM

Hi, I have been trying to concieve for almost one year. It’s been hard because I have not had a period in about 4 months. I feel fine. I was reading about the Don Quai and Vitex. Can they be taken together. Or do you recommend one over the other. Is the fertility cleanse also a good idea? I saw how you start to take if after your period. Any suggestions. Thank you!

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 02.19.10 at 11:17 AM

Hi Rose,

Dong Quai and Vitex may be taken at the same time.

The Fertility Cleanse Kit may create a balanced healthy foundation for hormonal balance which is important when it comes to getting your menstrual cycle to normalize.

Have you considered a Natural Fertility Consultation? Learn more by clicking here: consultation

Best Wishes,

Dalene

jlyna 02.23.10 at 10:41 PM

what is a different if we take dong quai capsule, tea or the root itself?which one is better?the dong quai capsule itself, is it mix with some other ingredient?

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 02.24.10 at 12:53 PM

Hi Jlyna,

Dong Quai Capsules or tincture are the most effective and have the highest potency. Our Fertilica Dong Quai contains no fillers.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Taryn S. 03.01.10 at 8:02 AM

hi,
i have not had a period in almost 8 years unless it was brought on by the medicines my doctor gave me or infertiliy. I have PCOS (and it sucks cuz i am only 24). my husband and i have been trying to get pregnant for almost three years with no success. i have tried all the regimens from the doctors and none worked so no i am trying herbs. i am currently taking vitex and red clover daily and licorice root like you would clomid. i was wondering if it is ok to take dong quai with these and if so how much could/should i take and when
thanks sooo much! :)

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 03.02.10 at 7:36 AM

Hi Taryn S.,

Red Clover and Licorice root have been found to increase estrogen. Through our studies we have found that usually PCOS is an estrogen dominant condition and that usually estrogen needs to be decreased and progesterone increased. The most important piece to PCOS is eating a PCOS specific diet due to the fact that women who suffer from PCOS usually have insulin resistance. The PCOS Diet helps to balance insulin ups and downs.

Without knowing more about your health history and lifestyle it is hard to say if Dong Quai would be a good choice for you or not.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Jessica 03.03.10 at 2:21 PM

Hi, Me and my husband have been trying to conceive for 4 years I just purchased dong quai in the liquid form and was wondering what part of the menstrual cycle should i take it and should i continue to take it till the first day of bleeding of my menstrual cycle? Thank you so much for all your help. Oh and also can you take dong quai with green tea? Thanks again,

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 03.04.10 at 4:05 AM

Hi Jessica,

Dong Quai may be taken all month long except during menstruation. Yes, it is fine to use at the same time as Green Tea.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Colleen 03.05.10 at 6:47 AM

Hello,

Me and my husband are trying to conceive the last 3 months and I just started taking Dong Quai. I’ve read online that it is unsafe if your pregnant. I planned on taking it every month up until my period until we get pregnant. My concern is, is it still safe to take from ovulation up to you period?
I’m also taking prenatal vitamins along with dha, selenim, zinc, b6, and fertiltyblend supplement. Are these all ok to take together?

Thanks for any feedback and your help

vindia 03.07.10 at 3:40 PM

hi…
i have a very irregullar menstruation. which product that good for me to regular my menstruation??

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 03.09.10 at 5:36 AM

Hi Colleen,

Dong Quai should not be taken during pregnancy, if after you ovulate you suspect you may be pregnant please stop taking it. It is still safe to continue after you ovulate and it is more beneficial with this herb to take it all month long than to start and stop it throughout the month. Use your best judgement.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Dalene Barton, CH, Doula 03.09.10 at 6:24 AM

Hi Vindia,

We have a wonderful guide to help you learn the best natural remedies for working toward bringing back a regular menstrual cycle. If you would like to learn what you can do click here: How to Get your Period Back

Best Wishes,

Dalene

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