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Dong Quai Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Photosensitivity — dong quai contains furanocoumarins that can increase sun sensitivity
  • Increased menstrual bleeding — due to blood-thinning and vasodilatory effects
  • GI upset — bloating, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
  • Skin rash (rare, possibly related to photosensitivity)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin) — dong quai contains coumarins with anti-platelet activity; significant bleeding risk if combined
  • Hormonal medications — while dong quai's estrogenic activity is debated, caution is warranted with hormone-sensitive conditions
  • Prior to surgery — discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to bleeding risk
  • Photosensitizing drugs — additive photosensitivity risk

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 6g dried root daily; higher doses may increase bleeding risk due to coumarin content

Full Dong Quai Guide

References

  1. (). Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility. DOI
  2. (). Danggui to Angelica sinensis root: are potential benefits to European women a lost in translation?. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. DOI