Evidence supporting the use of: Dong Quai
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly for supporting women's reproductive health, including the treatment of scant menstruation (amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dong Quai is often referred to as "female ginseng" and is believed to nourish and invigorate the blood, regulate menstrual cycles, and alleviate menstrual irregularities such as scanty periods. Its use is documented in classic TCM texts and it is commonly included in herbal formulas prescribed for menstrual disorders.
While some modern research has explored Dong Quai's potential effects on the menstrual cycle, including its possible phytoestrogenic and blood circulation-enhancing properties, the scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive. Most clinical studies have focused on its use in combination with other herbs, making it difficult to isolate Dong Quai's specific effects. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to confirm its efficacy for scant menstruation. Therefore, its use for this condition is justified primarily by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Menstruation (scant)
ashwagandhablack cohosh
chaste tree
dong quai root
iron
licorice root
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
wild yam
red clover
akebia
Aletris
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Cohosh
Dong Quai
Molasses
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Dong Quai
AmenorrheaAnemia
Circulation (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Hot Flashes
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
Vaginal Dryness