For centuries Dong Quaa has been a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially for supporting women’s reproductive health. Whether you’re navigating irregular cycles, seeking hormonal balance, or preparing for conception, Dong Quai tea may be a gentle, powerful ally on your fertility journey.
Current Research: While emerging research shows Dong Quai tea may offer some health benefits, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand how the plant works!
Traditional Uses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, it’s known as a blood tonic, is believed to invigorate and nourish the blood, promoting better circulation.
When it comes to female reproductive welness, Dong Quai tea is used to regulate menstrual cycles and ease discomfort, to replenish the body after menstruation and to prepare the body for pregnanacy.
Claimed Fertility Benefits
Dong Quai tea, made from the Angelica sinensis plant is often referred to as the “female ginseng. According to current research, these are five possible fertility benefits Dong Quai tea may offer women looking to improve their reproductive health:
1. Regulates Menstrual Cycles
Hormonal Balance: Dong Quai’s natural plant Phytosterols1 gently support estrogen balance, a key hormone involved in ovulation and menstrual regularity. Consuming the tea may help balance estrogen levels and regulate irregular menstrual cycles. These are essential for tracking ovulation and improving fertility.
2. Reduces Menstrual Pain
Pain Relief: Ligustilide2 is known for its ability to relax smooth muscle tissue, help ease menstrual cramps and reduce uterine spasms. By relaxing uterine muscles, Dong Quai tea may help alleviate cramps and PMS symptoms, resulting in more predictable and manageable menstural cycles.
3. Improves Blood Flow
Improved Circulation: Quai contains compounds Coumarins3 act as mild blood thinners, helping to improve blood flow to the pelvic area. Healthy circulation is essential for nourishing the ovaries and uterus making the tea a good option for enhancing the health of reproductive organs.
4. Strengthens the Uterus
Immune Strength: Polysaccharides are complex sugars in Dong Quai tea which is traditionally used as a uterine tonic to tone and strengthen the uterus. Polysaccharides4 may help modulate immune function creating a more supportive environment for conception.
5. Reduces Uterine Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory: Dong Quai tea contains Ferulic Acid5, a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation and promotes healthy circulation. This supports uterine lining health and may enhance the chances of successful implantation.
Who May Benefit from Dong Quai Tea
- Experience irregular or painful menstrual cycles
- Have low estrogen levels or hormone imbalances
- Need to improve blood flow to reproductive organs
- Are seeking to strengthen and tone the uterus in preparation for conception
Important Note: Dong Quai is not recommended during pregnancy and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially if you’re trying to conceive or are undergoing fertility treatments.
Dong Quai Tea Side Effects
While Dong Quai tea can be beneficial, it’s not for everyone. It may also interact with certain medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications and hormone theraphy drugs.
- Common Side Effects: Digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea, mild headaches or dizziness, menstrual changes such as heavier or prolonged bleeding in some women and increased sensitivity to sunlight making you more susceptible to sunburn.
- Bleeding risk Dong Quai contains coumarins, which may thin the blood. It may also increase bleeding during menstruation or after surgery.
- Hormonal effects: Its significant phytoestrogens content can affect estrogen levels.
You maky also like
Since you are interested in Dong Quai fertility benefits, you may also like:
Who Should Avoid Dong Quai
These are certain groups of people should avoid using Dong Quai:
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women | Dong Qua may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. Use caution if trying to conceive and stop once pregnancy is confirmed. |
| People with bleeding disorders | The plant Contains coumarins, which may increase bleeding risk. |
| Anyone taking hormone-sensitive medications | Dong Quai plant may worsen estrogen-sensitive conditions like Endometriosis, Fibroids, Breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer. |
| Individuals undergoing surgery | Upcoming surgery patients should discontinue using 2+ weeks before procedures to lessen the tisk of excessive bleeding; |
Always consult a healthcare provider before using Dong Quai, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
How to Use Dong Quai for Fertility
Now that you know the benefits and side effects of Dong Quai, are you ready to give it a try? Here are a few tips to help you decide what’s best for you!
Root: Has an earthy, slightly sweet aroma, with a strong herbal or medicinal scent most common in tea and supplements.
Tea: Often appears as shredded dried root or small broken pieces; best for decoctions or steeping
Powder: Fine and tan-colored, used in capsules or herbal formulas.
Dong Quai tea should never be used in place of conventional medicine. Always consult with your Healthcare Provider before adding herbal treatments to your routine.
Dong Quai Tea Recipe
These are few different ways to make Dong Quai at home:
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons dried Dong Quai root slices (or 1 tbsp fresh root)
- 1 cup (8 oz) water
- Optional add-ins: Honey, ginger, or red dates for flavor (common in TCM).
Instructions
1. Decoction Method (Best for Roots)
- Add Dong Quai to a small pot with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy warm.
2. Infusion (Lighter Tea)
- Steep dried Dong Quai in hot (not boiling) water for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
3. Traditional Blends (TCM Style)
- For blood tonic: Add goji berries or red dates.
- For cramps: Mix with chamomile or ginger.
Dosage & Safety Notes
- Limit to 1–2 cups daily (long-term use may require breaks).
- Avoid if: Pregnant, on blood thinners, or hormone-sensitive (see previous warnings).
- Taste: Earthy, slightly bitter—sweeteners or ginger help.
Best Practices
- Always start with a low dose and observe how your body responds.
- Limit duration: Don’t use continuously long-term without breaks.
- Consult with a qualified herbalist or doctor, especially if you’re using it for fertility.
Buy Dong Quai
If you’re looking to purchase Dong Quai in person, many local health food stores and national chains carry it in various forms. Additionally, if you have access to Asian herbal shops, especially in neighborhoods with a strong Chinese or Vietnamese community; you may find Dong Quai in its traditional form. Otherwise you can order Dong Quai online.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive a small commossion if you make a purchase.
Dong Quai – Your Natural Fertility Aide
Dong Quai tea—aka “female ginseng”—has been TCM’s go-to for centuries. Why you’ll love it
✔Promotes hormonal harmony
✔ Boosts energy & circulation
✔ 100% organic, easy to brew
P.S. Not for pregnancy or blood thinner users. Check with your doc first!
Have you used Dong Quai tea? Please share your experience by leaving a link below:
Conclusion
Dong Quai tea offers a time-honored, plant-based way to support reproductive health and fertility. With its unique combination of blood-nourishing, hormone-balancing, and circulation-boosting properties, this traditional herb continues to earn its place as a gentle yet effective ally for women seeking natural fertility support.
But while emerging research shows Dong Quai may offer some health benefits, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand how the plant works. It’s also important to understand its potential side effects and risks, especially when taken as a tea or supplement.
References
- Patisaul, Heather B, and Wendy Jefferson. “The pros and cons of phytoestrogens.” Frontiers in neuroendocrinology vol. 31,4 (2010): 400-19. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003 ↩︎
- Takaya, Kento, and Kazuo Kishi. “Ligustilide, A Novel Senolytic Compound Isolated from the Roots of Angelica Acutiloba.” Advanced biology vol. 8,10 (2024): e2300434. doi:10.1002/adbi.202300434 ↩︎
- Küpeli Akkol, Esra et al. “Coumarins and Coumarin-Related Compounds in Pharmacotherapy of Cancer.” Cancers vol. 12,7 1959. 19 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/cancers12071959 ↩︎
- Murphy, Emma J et al. “Polysaccharides-Naturally Occurring Immune Modulators.” Polymers vol. 15,10 2373. 19 May. 2023, doi:10.3390/polym15102373 ↩︎
- Srinivasan, Marimuthu et al. “Ferulic Acid: therapeutic potential through its antioxidant property.” Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition vol. 40,2 (2007): 92-100. doi:10.3164/jcbn.40.92 ↩︎
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated here should be viewed as medical advice. See our full medical disclaimer here.
