Evidence supporting the use of: Dong quai root
For the health condition: Stress

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is often referred to as "female ginseng." While it is best known for supporting women's reproductive health, dong quai is also traditionally used as a tonic to restore energy, balance the body, and help with stress-related symptoms. In TCM, stress is often conceptualized as an imbalance in the body's qi (energy), and dong quai is believed to nourish the blood and help harmonize the body's response to various stressors.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of dong quai for stress management is limited. Most clinical and preclinical research has focused on its effects on menstrual health, hormonal balance, and inflammatory processes, rather than specific anxiolytic (anti-stress) properties. Some animal studies suggest that dong quai extracts may have mild adaptogenic or neuroprotective effects, but these findings are preliminary and not well-established in human trials. Thus, its use for stress is primarily justified by tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, while dong quai is traditionally used for stress-related complaints in Eastern medicine, the scientific support for this use is weak. Individuals interested in dong quai for stress should consult healthcare professionals and consider that evidence for efficacy in this area remains limited.

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