BOTANICAL NAME: Angelica sinensis PARTS USED AND HABITAT: Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Greenish-white flowers bloom from May to August, and the plant is typically found growing in damp mountain ravines, meadows, river banks, and coastal areas. The root is used.INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Other uses: Anemia (due to dialysis); Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation); Menopause; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: Traditionally, dong quai is believed to have a balancing or adaptogenic effect on the female hormonal system. Contrary to the opinion of several authors, dong quai does not qualify as a phyto-estrogen or have any hormone-like actions in the body. This is supported by a double-blind study showing that dong quai capsules did not help women with menopausal symptoms and did not display estrogenic activity. A large part of its actions with regard to premenstrual syndrome may be related to its antispasmodic actions, particularly on smooth muscles. Human research published in English is lacking to support any of the traditional uses of dong quai, though Chinese studies suggest it is beneficial for dysmenorrhea and infertility. Dong quai has been used as a way to promote formation of red blood cells traditionally, an effect confirmed in a case study of a man with kidney failure who had a significant improvement in anemia during dialysis while drinking a tea composed of dong quai and peony. Further human studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding. Specification: 1.0% Ligustilides