Dong Quai, Cautions

Angelica Species (Dong Quai): Not My Favorite Herb for Female Health

Contraindications:

First trimester of pregnancy contraindicated during pregnancy due to uterine-stimulating effects

Don't use during lactation

Contraindicated in patients with hemorrhagic disease, hypermenorrhea, chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating or acute infections including colds and flu.

TCM – diarrhea caused by weak digestion, bleeding tendency or very heavy periods associated with heat, acute viral infections

Those with a rapid heartbeat should avoid or minimize use.

Adverse Reactions

Possible side effects include fever, gastrointestinal disturbance and increased bleeding. Because photodermatitis isalso a possibility, caution patients to limit sun exposure and use sunscreen. Patients who are taking large doses or using it concurrently with blood thinners, should be monitored for increases in prothrombin time and INR.

Drug Interactions:

Interacts with warfarin to cause bleeding 

Angelica dahurica may delay elimination of tolbutamide (Ishibara, 2000)  Avoid concurrent use.

Dong Quai  may increase the effects of antiplatelets and oral anticoagulants

Moderate Risk:

Benzodiazepines, Beta-adrenergic blockers, Nifedipine, Testosterone, Tolbutamide