Family:

Apiaceae

 

Part Used:

Root

 

Energetics & Taste:

Sweet, bitter, pungent, warming, moistening.

 

Habitat:

Native to China and Japan.

 

Key Benefits:

Often referred to as the female ginseng, dong quai is used as a female tonic. TCM revitalizes and moves the blood, a stimulating herb that enriches and promotes blood circulation. It is taken in cases of deficient blood conditions such as anemia. This also enhances cardiac function and supports heart health. It is helpful for women at any stage of life aiding in PMS, menstrual irregularities, ovarian cysts, menopausal discomfort (like vaginal dryness), uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. 

 

Contraindications:

Due to its ability to stimulate bleeding, it should not be taken during menstruation, before, or after. It is not to be used in pregnancy, and because it aids in circulation, it may thin the blood and should not be taken with blood thinners.