Some Women Shouldn't Use Dong Quai

Dong quai can work amazingly well as a naturopathic treatment for several medical conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, practitioners recommend it as a virtual panacea for women's health. TCM theory states that dong quai can ease symptoms of female problems ranging from menstrual cramps and pregnancy complications to menopause and sexual dysfunction.

As much as I enjoy and support the occasional use of dong quai, there have been several stages of my life in which it's been impractical or unsafe to use it. Many women should avoid dong quai due to the risk of serious side effects or interactions. Unless your health care provider explicitly recommends otherwise, do not use dong quai if you fall into any of the following categories.

Pregnant Women

TCM practitioners and some Western midwives stand by dong quai's safety during some stages of pregnancy. Some women take it immediately before pregnancy as an infertility treatment, while others use it later in pregnancy to tone the uterus or induce labor. However, some evidence suggests that this is unsafe. Dong quai may induce contractions, leading to miscarriage and preterm birth. Some early evidence also suggests that it can cause birth defects when used very early in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Mothers

If you are a nursing a baby, it is prudent to avoid dong quai supplements. Because it can affect levels of certain hormones, it's possible that dong quai could decrease your breast milk supply. Dong quai might also pass to the baby, leading to side effects such as photosensitivity, stomach problems, and an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. As a precaution, it's best to avoid dong quai entirely during lactation.

Women with Hormone-Sensitive Cancers

Hormone-sensitive cancers, including cancers of the breasts, uterus, ovaries, and endometrium, may worsen in response to hormone-affecting herbs such as dong quai. Some herbalists recommend dong quai as an alternative treatment for these conditions, but there is no evidence that it works and some early evidence suggesting that it is harmful. Stay safe and avoid dong quai if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer.

Women with Heavy Periods

If you suffer from heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, dong quai is not a good treatment choice. It acts as an anticoagulant, thinning the blood and causing it to flow more freely. This can dramatically increase the volume of your menstrual period. Dong quai's hormonal effects can also worsen symptoms of endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which are common underlying causes of heavy menstrual periods.

Women Taking Certain Herbs and Medications

If you are using any herb or pharmaceutical drug, talk to your doctor before taking dong quai. Dong quai has antiplatelet effects that increase the risk of serious side effects from certain medications. Some possible interactions include aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, and warfarin. Herbs that interact with dong quai include clove, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, red clover and willow bark.

Women Scheduled to Have Surgery

If you will have surgery any time in the next two weeks, including dental procedures, do not take dong quai. Because of its antiplatelet effects, it can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. If you have to have unexpected surgery at any time while taking dong quai, be sure to tell your doctor that you have been using the herbal supplement. Appropriate precautions can prevent life-threatening problems.

Visit the National Institutes of Health for more information about dong quai's potential dangers.