What Are The Side Effects of Dong Quai?
While Dong quai may be a safer alternative to HRT in treating menopausal symptoms, it comes with its own risks and side effects. You should consult with your doctor before taking Dong quai to be sure it is the right herbal treatment for you. Although most studies about the drug and its side effects are not fully proven, below you will find health risks that have been associated with the use of Dong quai.
Click here for more information about phytoestrogens or continue reading below to learn about the side effects of Dong quai.
A Note About Dong Quai’s Phytoestrogenic Properties
Many of the side effects associated with Dong quai may be the result of its phytoestrogenic properties. Phytoestrogens occur naturally in some plants and mimic the effects of estrogen when introduced to the female body.
While phytoestrogens may be used to treat menopausal symptoms, they block the body’s natural production of estrogen.
Drug Interactions
Dong quai contains anticoagulant (blood thinning) properties and thus should not be taken in combination with other blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin. Consult with your doctor before taking Dong quai with any of the following:
. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
. Garlic (Allium sativum)
. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
. Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Dong quai should not be mixed with anti-platelet drugs like clopidogrel (Plavix) or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or napraxon.
Dong quai should not be taken with other herbs or dietary supplements. Combining Dong quai with other herbs is known to cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, sweating, fever, weakness, increased male breast size, kidney problems or skin rash.
Cancer
The essential oil of Dong quai contains cancer causing agents. You should not drink it, especially if you are at risk for hormone-related cancers, including breast, ovarian and uterine.
Pregnancy
Taking Dong quai may cause the uterus to contract and raise the risk of natural abortion or miscarriage. It should not be used by pregnant women.
Sensitivity to sunlight
Dong quai can cause sensitivity to sunlight, rashes and skin inflammation. Avoid prolonged periods of sunlight and apply sunscreen regularly when taking this herb. Consult with your doctor before taking Dong quai in combination with St. John’s wort, which can also cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Other side effects
Dong quai may cause diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating or burping.
Substitutes for Dong quai
If you are concerned about using Dong quai to treat your menopausal symptoms, consider substituting a non-estrogenic herb, which help boost the body’s natural production of hormones such as estrogen. Click here to learn more about non-estrogenic herbs.
