Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis): The Female Herb Guide

Introduction: The Female Ginseng

Dong quai (当归, dang gui), known in English as Chinese angelica and botanically as Angelica sinensis, is one of the most important herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia — and arguably the single most famous herb associated with women’s health in TCM. Its reputation is such that it is often called the “female ginseng” (女性人参), a name that reflects both its tonifying nature and its long-standing use in supporting menstrual health, blood nourishment, and postpartum recovery. In TCM theory, dong quai occupies a unique position: it both nourishes blood (补血) and invigorates blood (活血) — two actions that might seem contradictory but together make it one of the most versatile blood-regulating herbs in the tradition.

The Chinese name dang gui carries a poetic meaning often translated as “ought to return” or “state of return” — a reference to its traditional use in bringing the body back to a balanced, harmonious state. In classical texts like the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經) and in the formulas of the legendary physician Zhang Zhongjing (张仲景), whose second-century work Shanghan Lun remains foundational to TCM practice, dong quai appears in some of the most important blood-tonifying formulas in the tradition. The most famous is Si Wu Tang (四物汤, “Four-Substance Decoction”), which has been called the “first formula of women’s medicine” and which features dong quai as a key ingredient.

This guide explores dong quai from both traditional and modern perspectives: its TCM properties, its applications for women’s health and beyond, how to prepare it, safety considerations, and how to choose quality roots. Whether you are exploring dong quai tea for menstrual support, considering it for postpartum recovery, or simply want to understand why it carries such a revered reputation, this article will provide the context you need — with the understanding that this is educational information, not medical advice. For related topics, see our guides on TCM for anemia, cold uterus patterns, and TCM blood circulation foods.

What is Dong Quai? Botanical and TCM Profile

Dong quai is the root of Angelica sinensis, a perennial plant in the Apiaceae (carrot and parsley) family. It is native to the high-altitude mountains of western China, particularly Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces, where it grows in cool, moist, alpine meadows. The plant reaches about a meter in height, with hollow stems, divided leaves, and clusters of small white flowers. Only the root is used medicinally — and it is a distinctive one: thick, branching, and pale brown, with a strong, complex aroma that combines sweetness, a slight muskiness, and a distinctive earthy richness.

In appearance, high-quality dong quai root (sometimes called “whole angelica root” or dang gui tou, the head of the root) is plump, moist, and oily when cut, with a cross-section showing a rich amber-brown color and a clear, aromatic ring pattern. The aroma is one of the key quality markers — fresh, high-quality dong quai has a fragrance that is immediately recognizable and quite different from other angelica species (such as Angelica dahurica or Angelica pubescens, which are different herbs used for different purposes in TCM).

In TCM, dong quai’s properties are described as follows:

• Nature: Warm
• Flavor: Sweet, acrid (spicy)
• Channel affinity: Heart, Liver, and Spleen

The warm nature is significant: dong quai is used to warm and invigorate, particularly in patterns involving cold and stagnation in the blood. The combination of sweet (nourishing) and acrid (moving) flavors is what gives dong quai its dual action — it both supplements and moves. Its entry into the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels connects it to blood (the Heart and Liver both govern aspects of blood in TCM) and to digestion (the Spleen produces qi and blood from food).

TCM Classification: Blood Tonic and Invigorator

In the TCM Materia Medica, dong quai is classified as a blood-tonifying herb (补血药, bu xue yao) — a category that includes herbs used to address blood deficiency (血虚, xue xu). Blood deficiency in TCM is not the same as anemia in Western medicine (though the two can overlap), but rather a broader functional pattern characterized by symptoms such as a pale complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, and in women, scanty or absent menstruation.

Dong quai’s traditional actions include:

Nourishes blood (补血): This is dong quai’s primary traditional classification. It is used to address blood deficiency, particularly when it manifests in women’s menstrual health — irregular cycles, scanty flow, or amenorrhea. For this reason, it appears in nearly every classic blood-tonifying formula. See our guide to TCM for anemia for more on blood deficiency patterns.

Invigorates blood (活血): Uniquely among blood-tonifying herbs, dong quai also invigorates blood — meaning it helps move stagnant or sluggish blood. This makes it valuable for conditions involving blood stasis (血瘀, xue yu), which in TCM includes painful menstruation with clots, fixed abdominal pain, and certain types of numbness or pain. For more on blood-moving herbs, see our safflower tea guide.

Regulates menstruation: Combining its nourishing and invigorating actions, dong quai is considered the premier herb for menstrual regulation in TCM. It is used for irregular cycles, scanty flow, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and amenorrhea. For more on menstrual patterns, see our TCM for PMS symptoms guide.

Relieves pain: Because blood stasis is a major cause of pain in TCM theory (“where there is no flow, there is pain”), dong quai’s blood-invigorating action also makes it useful for certain types of pain — particularly menstrual pain and pain related to poor circulation or cold in the uterus. See our guide to cold uterus patterns for more.

Moistens the intestines: Dong quai’s slightly oily nature is traditionally said to moisten the intestines, making it useful for dry constipation — particularly in older adults or those with blood deficiency.

This combination of nourishing and moving is what makes dong quai so versatile: it supplements without stagnating, and it moves without depleting.

Benefits for Women’s Health

Dong quai’s reputation as the “female ginseng” comes from its long history of use in women’s health. In TCM, the Liver stores blood and regulates menstruation, and because dong quai enters the Liver channel, it is considered the most important herb for Liver-blood patterns affecting women. Here is how TCM applies dong quai across different stages and concerns:

Menstrual regulation: For irregular menstrual cycles — whether too frequent, too infrequent, scanty, or with an inconsistent flow — dong quai is a foundational herb. In TCM, this is understood as Liver blood deficiency or stagnation. Dong quai both nourishes the blood (addressing deficiency) and invigorates it (addressing stagnation), which is why it appears in the classic formula Si Wu Tang, used as the basis for many menstrual-regulating prescriptions.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) support: TCM understands PMS symptoms — breast tenderness, irritability, mood swings, bloating — as Liver qi stagnation that often coexists with blood stasis. Dong quai’s blood-invigorating action helps address the blood-stasis component, while its nourishing action supports the underlying blood deficiency. See our guide to TCM for PMS symptoms.

Menopause support: During menopause, TCM views the transition as a decline in kidney essence (jing) and a shift in the balance of yin, yang, and blood. Dong quai is sometimes included in menopausal formulas to support blood nourishment during this transition, particularly for symptoms like hot flashes, dryness, and emotional fluctuations. See our TCM menopause relief guide for more.

Postpartum recovery: In TCM, childbirth is understood as a significant loss of blood and qi, and postpartum care (月子, yue zi) is a carefully observed tradition. Dong quai is one of the most important herbs for postpartum recovery — it nourishes the blood lost during childbirth and supports the body’s return to balance. It appears in classic postpartum soups and formulas. See our guide to TCM postpartum lactation for more.

Cold uterus pattern: In TCM, “cold in the uterus” (寒凝胞宫) is a pattern associated with painful menstruation, clotting, and fertility concerns. Dong quai’s warm nature and blood-invigorating action are traditionally used to warm and move blood in this pattern. See our guide to cold uterus patterns.

These are traditional uses, not medical treatments. Dong quai is not appropriate for all women at all times — see the safety section for important contraindications, including pregnancy.

Benefits Beyond Women’s Health

While dong quai is most famous as a women’s herb, its blood-nourishing and invigorating actions are not gender-specific. In TCM, blood deficiency and blood stasis can affect anyone, and dong quai’s traditional applications extend beyond women’s health:

Blood circulation: Dong quai’s blood-invigorating action is traditionally used to support healthy blood circulation. In TCM theory, blood stasis is associated with various forms of pain, numbness, and cardiovascular concerns. Dong quai is sometimes paired with other blood-invigorating herbs like safflower (hong hua) — see our safflower tea guide — and with foods that support circulation. See our guide to TCM blood circulation foods for more.

Heart health: Because dong quai enters the Heart channel and is classified as a blood tonic, it is traditionally associated with supporting the heart in TCM theory (the Heart governs blood and houses the shen). However, this is a traditional classification, not a medical claim — dong quai is not a treatment for heart disease.

Digestive support: Dong quai’s entry into the Spleen channel connects it to the production of qi and blood from food. Its sweet, warm nature is traditionally said to support the Spleen’s function, and its moistening quality can help with dry constipation.

Immune modulation: Some modern research has examined dong quai’s polysaccharides for immune-modulating effects, though this is an emerging area and not a traditional primary use.

Pain relief: Through its blood-invigorating action, dong quai is traditionally used for pain associated with blood stasis — including certain types of joint pain, abdominal pain, and traumatic injury pain. It is often combined with other blood-moving herbs in such formulas.

For men experiencing blood deficiency patterns (which can occur with chronic illness, poor digestion, or aging), dong quai is traditionally used in the same way as for women — though it is most often associated with women’s health because of the prevalence of blood-related patterns in menstrual and reproductive health. For energy support more broadly, see our Chinese herbs for energy guide.

Active Compounds in Dong Quai

Dong quai’s pharmacological profile has been the subject of modern research, with several key compound groups identified:

Ligustilide: This is the most abundant and most studied compound in dong quai, belonging to the phthalide class. Ligustilide is responsible for much of dong quai’s distinctive aroma and is associated with many of its traditional effects, including smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and anti-inflammatory actions. Research suggests ligustilide may help relax uterine tissue — which aligns with dong quai’s traditional use for menstrual pain. Ligustilide is also being studied for potential effects on circulation and vascular health.

Ferulic acid: An antioxidant compound found in dong quai (as well as in other plants like rice bran and oats). Ferulic acid has documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is being studied for potential cardiovascular and skin-protective effects. It is one of the compounds used as a quality marker for dong quai products.

Polysaccharides: Dong quai contains complex polysaccharides that have been studied for immune-modulating effects in laboratory research. Some of these polysaccharides have shown activity in supporting immune cell function in test-tube and animal studies, though human clinical evidence is limited.

Volatile oils: The essential oil of dong quai contains dozens of compounds, contributing to its complex aroma. Some of these have shown biological activity in research, though the oil is present in relatively small amounts in typical preparations.

Other compounds: Dong quai also contains coumarins (which can have mild blood-thinning effects — relevant to safety considerations), vitamins (including B12, folate, and vitamin E), and minerals (including iron, though the amount of iron in dong quai is not sufficient to treat iron-deficiency anemia on its own). For another blood-nourishing tea, see our longan tea guide.

It is important to note that while these compounds have been studied individually, the traditional use of dong quai involves the whole root prepared as a decoction, soup, or formula — where the compounds work together in ways that isolated compounds do not. Research on dong quai is ongoing, and these traditional uses have not been evaluated by the FDA.

How to Prepare Dong Quai

Dong quai is a versatile herb that can be prepared in several ways, each suited to different needs:

• Decoction: The most traditional method. Dried dong quai root slices are simmered in water for 30 to 60 minutes, which extracts the water-soluble compounds. Because dong quai is a root, it requires longer simmering than leaves or flowers. The resulting liquid is dark, aromatic, and slightly sweet with a complex, earthy flavor. Decoctions can be drunk on their own or combined with other herbs in classic formulas.
• Tea: A simpler, milder version of the decoction. Dong quai slices are simmered briefly (15 to 20 minutes) in water, often with other ingredients like red dates and goji berries to enhance the blood-nourishing effect and improve the taste. Dong quai tea is a gentle daily preparation suitable for general wellness.
• Soup: In Chinese home cooking, dong quai is most commonly prepared as a nourishing soup — particularly chicken soup simmered with dong quai, red dates, goji berries, and sometimes other tonic herbs. This is the quintessential postpartum and winter-warming soup. The long simmering extracts the root’s compounds, and the chicken broth provides additional nourishment.
• Wine infusion: In traditional practice, dong quai can be infused in rice wine or yellow wine (huang jiu) for several weeks. The alcohol extracts some alcohol-soluble compounds (including certain phthalides and essential oil components) that water does not. Dong quai wine is traditionally used as a warming, blood-invigorating preparation, particularly for joint pain and postpartum recovery.
• Powder: Dong quai can be ground into a fine powder and taken directly or stirred into warm water or food. Powder is convenient but may be less well-absorbed than a decoction.
• Capsules and extracts: Commercial preparations of dong quai are widely available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms. Follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified practitioner for guidance.

For safety considerations when preparing herbs, see our herbal tea safety guide.

Dong Quai Tea Recipe with Red Dates and Goji

A simple dong quai tea with red dates and goji is a gentle, blood-nourishing daily preparation:

Ingredients:

• 3 to 5 grams dried dong quai slices (about 2 to 3 slices)
• 4 to 5 red dates (jujubes), pitted
• 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams) goji berries
• 2 cups (16 oz / 500 ml) water
• Optional: 1 small slice of fresh ginger (to support digestion and warm the preparation)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dong quai slices, red dates, and goji berries briefly under cool water.
2. Place the dong quai and red dates (and ginger, if using) in a small pot. Add the water.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
4. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The liquid will become a rich amber-brown with a warm, aromatic fragrance.
5. Add the goji berries in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
6. Strain into a cup. Sip warm. The red dates and goji berries can be eaten.

Taste notes: Dong quai tea is aromatic, earthy, and slightly sweet from the red dates, with a distinctive warm, complex flavor. The aroma of dong quai is quite strong — some people love it immediately, while others find it takes getting used to. Drink 1 cup daily, traditionally in the second half of the menstrual cycle (the week before menstruation) or during the postpartum period.

Caution: Do not drink dong quai tea during pregnancy or during heavy menstrual flow. See the safety section below. For another blood-nourishing tea, see our longan tea guide.

Dong Quai Chicken Soup Recipe

Dong quai chicken soup is a classic Chinese restorative soup, traditionally served to new mothers and during cold winter months:

Ingredients (serves 2 to 3):

• 8 to 10 grams dried dong quai slices (3 to 4 slices)
• 1 whole chicken breast or 4 to 5 bone-in chicken pieces (about 500 grams)
• 6 to 8 red dates (jujubes), pitted
• 15 grams goji berries (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi), optional
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blanch the chicken in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove impurities.
2. Place the chicken, dong quai, red dates, and tangerine peel (if using) in a slow cooker or heavy pot. Add the water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a very low simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours (or 4 hours in a slow cooker on low). The long simmering extracts the compounds from the dong quai and creates a rich, nourishing broth.
4. In the last 10 minutes, add the goji berries. Season with salt to taste.
5. Remove the dong quai slices before serving (they are too fibrous to eat, though some people chew on them). The red dates and goji berries can be eaten.

Serving notes: This soup is traditionally served warm, often as a main meal during the postpartum period (yue zi) or as a winter tonic. It is warming, nourishing, and deeply restorative. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and a vegetable broth base.

Caution: Do not consume dong quai soup during pregnancy. See the safety section for important contraindications.

Comparison: Dong Quai Preparations

Different dong quai preparations suit different needs. The table below compares the main forms:

Preparation	Compounds Captured	Potency	Convenience	Taste	Best For
Decoction (strong tea)	Water-soluble compounds, including some polysaccharides and ligustilide	Medium–High	Low (long simmer)	Strong, earthy, aromatic	Traditional therapeutic use, menstrual support
Mild tea (with dates/goji)	Water-soluble compounds, milder	Low–Medium	Medium (shorter simmer)	Sweeter, more balanced	Daily gentle wellness, blood nourishment
Soup (with chicken)	Water-soluble compounds, food synergy	Medium	Low (long cooking)	Savory, rich, warming	Postpartum recovery, winter tonic, whole-meal nourishment
Wine infusion	Alcohol-soluble phthalides and oils	Medium–High	Low (weeks of infusion)	Strong, warming	Joint pain, postpartum warming, traditional use
Powder / capsules	Variable (depends on extraction)	Medium	High (pre-measured)	Neutral	Convenience, travel, consistent dosing

Dosage Guidelines

Dosage depends on the form and purpose of use. The following are general traditional guidelines, not medical dosing instructions:

• Dried dong quai slices (for tea/decoction): 3 to 10 grams per day for general use. In TCM clinical practice, doses of 6 to 15 grams per day are common, depending on the formula and the individual.
• Dong quai powder: 1 to 3 grams per day (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon), stirred into warm water, tea, or food. Start with a smaller amount.
• Tincture or liquid extract: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as concentrations vary widely. A common range is 1 to 3 milliliters daily.
• Capsules/tablets: Follow the manufacturer’s label. Most capsules provide 500 to 1,000 mg of dong quai extract or powder, with typical dosing of 1 to 2 capsules, 1 to 2 times daily.
• Soup amounts: 8 to 15 grams of dong quai per batch of soup (serving 2 to 3 people) is a traditional amount.

Dong quai is traditionally used in formulas rather than as a single herb — meaning it is most often combined with other herbs that complement its actions. The classic Si Wu Tang combines dong quai with chuan xiong (Szechuan lovage root), shu di huang (prepared rehmannia), and bai shao (white peony root). If you are considering dong quai for a specific health concern, consulting a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended. For safety guidance, see our herbal tea safety guide.

Safety and Precautions

Dong quai is a potent, biologically active herb and is not appropriate for everyone. Important safety considerations include:

Pregnancy — contraindicated: Dong quai should be avoided during pregnancy. Its blood-invigorating action and potential effects on uterine tone make it potentially unsafe during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Some traditional postpartum formulas that contain dong quai are used only after childbirth, not during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, consult your healthcare provider before using any herbs.

Bleeding disorders: Because dong quai invigorates blood and contains coumarin compounds that may have mild blood-thinning effects, it should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) and by those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.). Discontinue dong quai at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Menstrual flow concerns: Because dong quai invigorates blood, it can increase menstrual flow. It is traditionally avoided during heavy menstrual periods. If you have menorrhagia (abnormally heavy periods), consult your healthcare provider before using dong quai.

Drug interactions:

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: Dong quai may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. This is one of the most important dong quai interactions.
• Hormone therapy: Dong quai may have mild phytoestrogenic effects and could potentially interact with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. Consult your healthcare provider.
• Diabetes medication: Some research suggests dong quai may affect blood sugar. If you take diabetes medication, monitor blood glucose and consult your provider.

Common side effects: At typical doses, dong quai is generally well tolerated. Some people may experience digestive upset, mild diarrhea, or skin sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity — related to compounds in the Apiaceae family). If you experience any adverse reaction, discontinue use.

Who should avoid dong quai: Pregnant women; those with heavy menstrual bleeding; people taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders; people preparing for surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks prior); those with hormone-sensitive conditions (consult a healthcare provider).

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Dong quai is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Choose Quality Dong Quai

Quality varies significantly in the dong quai market. Here are the key factors to consider:

Appearance: High-quality dong quai root should be plump, firm, and slightly oily to the touch. The surface should be a rich amber-brown color. When cut, the cross-section should show a clear, light-colored cambium ring and a moist, resinous texture. Avoid roots that are dry, brittle, excessively light, or have a grayish, faded appearance.

Aroma: This is the most reliable quality indicator. Fresh, high-quality dong quai has a strong, distinctive, complex aroma — sweet, earthy, and slightly musky. If the aroma is weak, dusty, or absent, the root is likely old or of poor quality. The aroma should be immediately noticeable when you open the package or break a piece.

Sourcing: The highest-quality dong quai traditionally comes from Minxian County in Gansu Province, China, an area famous for angelica cultivation. Look for products that specify their origin. Organic certification and third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and sulfur dioxide (a common preservative in dried herbs) are important quality markers.

Form: Whole roots or large slices retain their quality longer than powder, which loses its aromatic compounds more quickly. If buying slices, look for uniform, plump pieces. If buying powder, look for a reputable supplier with good turnover.

Sulfur treatment: Some dried herbs in the Chinese market are treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve color and appearance. Sulfur-treated dong quai may have an overly bright color and a faint chemical smell. Look for “sulfur-free” or “un-sulfured” labels when possible.

Different forms of dang gui: In TCM, different parts of the dong quai root are sometimes distinguished: dang gui tou (head/root crown) is more nourishing and used for blood deficiency; dang gui shen (body) has balanced nourishing and invigorating properties; dang gui wei (tail) is more invigorating and used for blood stasis. For most home preparations, whole slices that include the body are appropriate.

When to See a Doctor

The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Dong quai and the practices described here are traditional wellness practices, not medical treatments. Certain symptoms require medical evaluation:

• Severe or persistent menstrual pain or irregularity
• Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding
• Absent periods (amenorrhea) lasting more than 3 months
• Postpartum complications, including heavy bleeding, fever, or infection
• Severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or fatigue
• Any new, persistent, or worsening symptoms

If you take any prescription medication — especially blood thinners, hormone therapy, or diabetes medication — speak with your healthcare provider before adding dong quai. Dong quai is not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

The Bottom Line

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is one of the most important and revered herbs in TCM, particularly for women’s health. Its unique combination of blood-nourishing and blood-invigorating actions makes it a versatile herb that can both supplement and move — supporting menstrual regulation, postpartum recovery, blood circulation, and more. Whether prepared as a simple tea with red dates and goji, a nourishing chicken soup, or part of a classic formula, dong quai represents a tradition of using food and herbs to support the body’s return to balance.

But dong quai is a potent, biologically active herb, and it is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, should be avoided by those with heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding disorders, and may interact with blood thinners, hormone therapy, and diabetes medication. Quality matters — choose roots with strong aroma, plump texture, and reputable sourcing. And dong quai is a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Used thoughtfully and with appropriate guidance, dong quai can be a meaningful part of a balanced approach to wellness — one that honors both the depth of traditional knowledge and the importance of modern safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dong quai used for?

In TCM, dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is traditionally used to nourish blood, invigorate blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. It is most famous as the “female ginseng” for its long history of use in women’s health — including menstrual regulation, PMS support, menopause support, and postpartum recovery. Beyond women’s health, it is also traditionally used to support blood circulation, heart health, and digestive function. These are traditional wellness uses, not medical treatments, and have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Can I take dong quai during pregnancy?

No. Dong quai should be avoided during pregnancy. Its blood-invigorating action and potential effects on uterine tone make it potentially unsafe during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Some traditional postpartum formulas containing dong quai are used only after childbirth. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, consult your healthcare provider before using any herbs.

Does dong quai interact with medications?

Yes. Dong quai may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel), potentially increasing bleeding risk. It may also interact with hormone therapy and oral contraceptives due to potential phytoestrogenic effects, and with diabetes medication due to possible effects on blood sugar. Discontinue dong quai at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbs you take. See our herbal tea safety guide for more.

How do you make dong quai tea?

To make dong quai tea, simmer 3 to 5 grams of dried dong quai slices with 4 to 5 pitted red dates and 1 teaspoon of goji berries in 2 cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and sip warm. The red dates and goji berries can be eaten. Dong quai tea is aromatic, earthy, and slightly sweet. Drink 1 cup daily, traditionally in the second half of the menstrual cycle or during postpartum recovery. Do not drink during pregnancy or heavy menstrual flow.

Is dong quai the same as angelica?

Dong quai is Angelica sinensis, a specific species of angelica native to China. It is different from other angelica species used in Western herbalism, such as Angelica archangelica (European angelica), and from related TCM herbs like Angelica dahurica (bai zhi) and Angelica pubescens (du huo), which have different properties and uses. When buying dong quai, look for Angelica sinensis specifically, as the different angelica species are not interchangeable.

Can men take dong quai?

Yes. While dong quai is most famous as a women’s herb, its blood-nourishing and invigorating actions are not gender-specific. In TCM, blood deficiency and blood stasis can affect anyone. Dong quai is traditionally used for men experiencing blood deficiency patterns (which can occur with chronic illness, poor digestion, or aging), for circulation support, and for certain types of pain. However, the same safety considerations apply — avoid if taking blood thinners, and consult a healthcare provider if you take medication.