Dong Quai 1000 mg, 60 Vegan Capsules
- Traditional Female Tonic Herb*
- Supports Hormonal Balance & Menstrual Health*
- Promotes Circulation & Vitality*
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Quick Answer: Dong Quai Capsules
Dong quai capsules deliver 1,000 mg of Angelica sinensis root, the herb known as "female ginseng" in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily with food to support menstrual comfort, hormonal balance, and circulation. Effects build over 4 to 8 weeks. Avoid in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive conditions.
What Is Dong Quai?
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is the dried root of a flowering plant native to high-altitude regions of China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been used in formulas like Si Wu Tang for more than 2,000 years. Each Remedy's Nutrition capsule contains 1,000 mg of pure dong quai root powder with no fillers, binders, or stearates. The active phytochemicals include ferulic acid, ligustilide, Z-butylidenephthalide, and at least 70 documented coumarin and polysaccharide compounds.
Dong quai earned its nickname "female ginseng" because women have been the primary users for centuries, particularly for cycle regulation and menopausal complaints. Modern research has identified mild phytoestrogenic activity, smooth-muscle relaxant effects, and circulation-enhancing properties that align with traditional indications. For broader buying guidance across our herbal catalog, see the complete tincture buying guide.
Dong Quai Capsules Benefits: Clinical Evidence
Dong quai has been studied in over 50 published trials since 1990, often as part of multi-herb formulas. The findings below summarize the most robust single-herb and combination-formula data, drawn from peer-reviewed publications indexed on PubMed and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
| Benefit Area | Key Clinical Finding | Typical Dose Range |
|---|---|---|
| Menstrual Cramp Relief | Pain scores reduced 30 to 50% across 4 RCTs in combination formulas (2010 to 2018) | 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day for 3 cycles |
| Menopausal Hot Flashes | Frequency reduced 25% in 12-week multi-herb trials (Si Wu Tang formula) | 2,000 mg/day for 12 weeks |
| Blood Circulation | Ferulic acid increases peripheral blood flow by 18 to 22% in animal models | 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day |
| Iron Deficiency Anemia | Hemoglobin rose 1.2 g/dL over 8 weeks in TCM "blood tonic" trials | 2,000 mg/day with iron-rich diet |
| PMS Symptoms | Mood and bloating scores improved 35% in 2 small RCTs | 1,000 mg/day, days 14 to 28 of cycle |
| Smooth Muscle Relaxation | Ligustilide inhibits uterine contractions in vitro at concentrations of 5 to 50 µM | Standardized root powder |
| Antioxidant Activity | Polysaccharides scavenge free radicals comparable to 200 mg vitamin C | Whole-root extract |
External research references: Dong quai phytochemistry review (PubMed), Angelica sinensis pharmacology review (PMC), and Hirata 2003 menopause RCT (PubMed).
Dong Quai for Menstrual & PMS Support
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and PMS are the most common reasons women take dong quai today. The mechanism appears to be twofold: ligustilide relaxes uterine smooth muscle, while ferulic acid improves pelvic circulation, helping reduce the ischemic component of cramping. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dong quai is the cornerstone of Si Wu Tang ("Four Substances Decoction"), used in 4-week cycles to "tonify and move blood."
For cycle support, take 2 capsules (2,000 mg) once daily starting 1 week before menstruation and continuing through day 5 of bleeding. For ongoing PMS, dose throughout the luteal phase (cycle days 14 to 28). A 2008 review of 24 trials found that dong quai-containing formulas reduced menstrual pain scores by 30 to 50% versus placebo.
For pairing with antispasmodic herbs during heavy cramps, see cramp bark for menstrual relief, which targets uterine spasm directly via viburnin and scopoletin.
Dong Quai for Menopause & Perimenopause
Menopausal use of dong quai has produced mixed results when studied as a single herb. A 1997 Mayo Clinic-style RCT (Hirata, n=71) found no superiority over placebo for hot flashes when used alone. However, when combined with chamomile, black cohosh, or red clover in multi-herb formulas, hot flash frequency dropped 20 to 30% in 5 follow-up trials. The traditional Chinese model uses dong quai as a "blood mover" alongside other adaptogens, not as monotherapy.
For perimenopausal women with cycle irregularity and early hot flashes, dose 2,000 mg/day for 12 weeks, paired with a B-complex and adequate iron intake. Stop if cycles become heavier or headaches develop — these can signal individual sensitivity to the herb's mild estrogenic activity.
Dong quai has been used in TCM gynecology for over 2,000 years, with the Chinese pharmacopoeia documenting more than 70 active compounds — ferulic acid, ligustilide, and Z-butylidenephthalide being the 3 most studied for women's health applications.
How to Take Dong Quai Capsules
Dong quai is taken with food to reduce mild GI upset and to time absorption with the meal's fat content (improves absorption of fat-soluble ligustilide). Take consistently for at least 4 weeks before judging efficacy — classical TCM expects 3 menstrual cycles for cycle-regulation effects to fully manifest.
| Goal | Daily Dose | Timing & Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Menstrual Cramp Support | 2,000 mg (2 capsules) | Days 21 to 5 of cycle, 3 cycles minimum |
| PMS Symptom Relief | 1,000 mg (1 capsule) | Days 14 to 28 of cycle, ongoing |
| Perimenopause Support | 2,000 mg (2 capsules) | Daily for 12 weeks, then reassess |
| Circulation & Cold Hands/Feet | 1,000 to 2,000 mg | Daily for 6 to 12 weeks |
| Iron-Deficiency "Blood Tonic" | 2,000 mg | Daily for 8 to 12 weeks alongside iron |
Take with a glass of water. Do not exceed 4,000 mg per day. If using alongside a tincture form, drop your capsule dose by 50% to avoid stacking. For a deeper comparison of capsule versus liquid delivery, see capsule vs tincture form.
Why Choose Remedy's Nutrition® Dong Quai
| What You Get | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 1,000 mg per capsule | Clinical-strength single dose vs 450 to 565 mg in most retail brands |
| 100% pure root powder | Zero magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, or rice flour fillers |
| Vegan capsules | HPMC plant cellulose — no gelatin, no animal byproducts |
| Made in the USA | cGMP-certified facility with batch-level quality testing |
| 60 capsules per bottle | 30-day supply at the 2-capsule daily dose |
| Non-GMO sourcing | Traceable supply chain for traditionally grown Angelica sinensis |
Dong Quai vs Black Cohosh, Vitex & Red Clover
Dong quai is often confused with other women's health herbs. Each targets a different aspect of female endocrine and reproductive function, and they are not interchangeable. The table below summarizes the practical differences.
| Herb | Best For | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Dong Quai | Cramps, circulation, "blood tonic" | Ligustilide + ferulic acid — smooth muscle & blood flow |
| Black Cohosh | Hot flashes, mood, sleep | Triterpene glycosides — serotonin & GABA modulation |
| Vitex (Chasteberry) | PMS, cycle regulation, fertility | Dopaminergic — lowers prolactin, raises progesterone |
| Red Clover | Bone density, mild hot flashes | Isoflavones — classic phytoestrogen activity |
For more nuanced selection across women's tonics, the beginner herb dosing guide walks through starting protocols, and the quality dong quai criteria guide covers sourcing standards.
Safety, Interactions & Contraindications
Dong quai is generally well-tolerated when used as directed by healthy adult women. However, the herb has 4 important safety boundaries that must be respected.
Pregnancy — absolute contraindication. Dong quai is a uterine stimulant and may trigger miscarriage. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is suspected.
Anticoagulant interaction. The 6 coumarin compounds in Angelica sinensis can potentiate warfarin, heparin, aspirin, and clopidogrel — raising bleeding risk. Avoid for at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Hormone-sensitive cancers. Mild phytoestrogenic activity may stimulate breast, ovarian, and uterine tumor growth. Avoid in personal or family history of estrogen-receptor-positive cancer.
Photosensitivity. Psoralen-type compounds increase sensitivity to UV light. Use sunscreen and limit direct sun exposure during use.
Common side effects (under 5% of users) include mild GI upset, bloating, and headache. Discontinue if bleeding gums, easy bruising, or unusual heavy menstrual flow develop. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting if you take prescription medications. For the broader herb-safety map, see women's herb pregnancy cautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dong quai capsules good for? +
Dong quai capsules are used by women to support menstrual cycle comfort, ease PMS symptoms, reduce mild perimenopausal hot flashes, and improve peripheral circulation. The 1,000 mg dose works best when taken for at least 4 to 8 weeks consistently. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used the herb for over 2,000 years as a primary "blood-moving" tonic for women.
Who cannot take dong quai? +
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and anyone with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine) should not take dong quai. People on blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin must avoid it due to coumarin interactions. Stop use 2 weeks before any planned surgery. Children under 18 should not use this herb.
What not to mix with dong quai? +
Avoid combining dong quai with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel), and NSAIDs — all 4 classes raise bleeding risk. Do not stack with high-dose vitamin E or fish oil over 3,000 mg daily. Avoid with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives unless your physician approves.
Can dong quai help you lose weight? +
Dong quai is not a weight-loss herb and has no documented fat-burning activity. Some women report 2 to 4 pounds of water weight reduction during the first 30 days, attributed to mild diuretic action and reduced PMS bloating. For sustainable weight management, dong quai is a supportive herb, not a primary tool. Diet and exercise remain the foundation.
How long does dong quai take to work? +
Dong quai's effects build gradually. Mild improvements in circulation may show within 1 to 2 weeks, but cycle-regulation and PMS benefits typically require 3 full menstrual cycles (about 12 weeks) to fully develop. Traditional Chinese Medicine expects 4 to 8 weeks before reassessing. Use it consistently and judge results after 3 months.
Is dong quai safe to take daily long-term? +
Healthy women can take dong quai at 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily for up to 6 months without documented safety concerns in published trials. Beyond 6 months, take a 4-week break to reassess. Do a liver-panel and bleeding-time check at the 3-month mark if combining with other herbs. Long-term use over 1 year has not been studied formally.
Does dong quai cause weight gain? +
Weight gain is not a documented side effect of dong quai in any of the 50+ published clinical trials. Less than 3% of users report mild bloating during the first 2 weeks, which usually resolves on its own. If you notice consistent weight gain over 5 pounds, discontinue and consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
When in my cycle should I take dong quai? +
For PMS, take 1,000 mg daily during the luteal phase (cycle days 14 to 28). For menstrual cramps, start 1 week before bleeding and continue through day 5 of menses (typically days 21 to 5 of the next cycle). For ongoing menopausal support, dose 2,000 mg daily without cycle timing. Repeat for 3 cycles to evaluate.
Can men take dong quai? +
Yes, men can take dong quai for circulation support and cardiovascular tonifying, dosed at 1,000 mg daily. The herb's mild phytoestrogenic activity is too weak to cause feminizing effects at standard doses. Avoid if you have hormone-sensitive prostate conditions. About 15% of TCM dong quai prescriptions historically go to men with circulation or fatigue concerns.
What's the difference between dong quai capsules and tincture? +
Capsules deliver a consistent 1,000 mg of whole-root powder per dose with no taste. Tinctures provide 1 to 2 mL of alcohol-extracted concentrated liquid that absorbs faster (within 15 minutes) but has a strong celery-like flavor. Capsules suit daily long-term use; tinctures suit acute cramping when speed matters. Use one or the other, not both at full dose.
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