The traditional formula
Traditional Chinese herbal formula
How it's usually used, with other herbs chosen for you.
Good for: Periods & PMS
What variations of dong quai exist?
A root from traditional Chinese medicine used for menstrual cycle support and menopause symptoms. It is usually given in combination formulas, and research on it alone is limited. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
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Every form, in plain words
The traditional formula
Traditional Chinese herbal formula
How it's usually used, with other herbs chosen for you.
Good for: Periods & PMS
The single-herb one
Dried root extract or tincture
Common in Western herbal products, though strength varies.
Usually skip
- The mystery powder (Unlabeled bulk root powder)Hard to confirm quality or that it's the right plant.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Traditional Chinese herbal formula' on the label (the traditional formula)
Watch out for
- 'Hormone balance' blends that don't say how much is inside
- No species name (Angelica sinensis) listed
Check with your provider first if…
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid unless your provider advises otherwise.
- Taking blood thinners such as warfarin, or other medicines or supplements that affect bleeding. Stop before surgery.
- History of hormone-sensitive cancer or conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids
- Sun sensitivity. It may make skin burn more easily.
- Heavy periods
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.