Dong Quai is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is often referred to as the “female ginseng” due to its potential benefits for women’s health. Dong Quai is used to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Dong Quai contains compounds called coumarins, which are believed to have estrogen-like effects in the body. It also contains other compounds, like ferulic acid, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Compared to Black Cohosh, Red Clover, and Soy Isoflavones, Dong Quai is not as well-studied. Some studies have suggested that Dong Quai may have potential benefits for menopause symptoms, while others have not found any significant benefits. Black Cohosh, in particular, has been found to be effective for reducing hot flashes, while Red Clover and Soy Isoflavones have potential benefits for heart health, cognitive function, and bone health. However, Dong Quai generally has the weakest link to scientific study, hence it’s ranking in our Top 5.
Looking through product reviews, we can however see that some people have reported several side effects, including increased sensitivity to sunlight, upset stomach, changes in blood pressure, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
While there are a number of Don Quai supplements out there, our preferred choice is Nature’s Way Dong Quai Root, due to it’s brand recognition and vegan-friendly formula.
