Dong Quai for Menstrual Health

Research suggests that Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has a long history of traditional use for menstrual health and is among the most frequently cited herbal remedies for menstrual disorders across multiple global traditions, with laboratory and animal studies identifying bioactive compounds — including ferulic acid, ligustilide, and polysaccharides — that may contribute to anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant effects potentially relevant to menstrual and reproductive conditions. Studies indicate that when used as part of traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas, preparations containing Angelica sinensis have been associated with menstrual cycle restoration in cases of antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea, with one meta-analysis of 18 studies reporting a pooled effectiveness rate of 91%, though the authors cautioned that the underlying research requires more methodological rigor and that results typically emerged only after several months of treatment. The available evidence base is composed primarily of reviews, laboratory studies, animal studies, and case reports rather than large-scale randomized controlled trials, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn about effectiveness in humans. Safety considerations are also noted across multiple sources, particularly a well-documented interaction with the blood-thinning medication warfarin — illustrated by a case report in which a patient's clotting measures more than doubled — as well as concerns about photosensitivity and bleeding risk, with researchers additionally noting that product quality and ingredient consistency vary due to limited regulatory oversight of supplements.