Dong quai used as a tonic for women

The medicinal components of dong quai, a relative of celery, are concentrated in its carrot-like roots. For centuries, the dried or fresh root has been included in traditional Chinese tonics, especially ones used to treat women.

Uses: Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use dong quai to purify the blood, to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and rheumatism, and to help heal broken bones. The herb also is used to treat menstrual cramps, irregular periods, menopausal symptoms and other menstrual complaints. It appears in some bust-enhancing formulas.

Dose: Daily, about 3 to 4 grams in pill form or 3 milliliters of liquid extract, taken in three separate doses with meals.

Precautions: Dong quai can make users’ skin extra sensitive to sunlight. People on blood-thinning medications -- herbal or prescription -- should avoid the herb because it can amplify the effects of such drugs. Because some studies suggest dong quai may cause uterine contractions, pregnant women should steer clear of it.

Research: Clinical trials have failed to prove that dong quai is a useful treatment for managing menopause. Most of the lab research has been conducted in China and suggests that dong quai may be able to decrease inflammation. In some animal studies, long-term, high-dose use of dong quai resulted in cancer; other lab studies show that the drug may inhibit some tumors when taken in combination with other herbs.

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-- Elena Conis