1. OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow
2. Sex-Drive Killers: Causes of Low Libido
3. Slideshow: Common Allergy Triggers

Who should not take dong quai ()?

Do not take dong quai without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Dong quai may affect the time it takes for your blood to clot.

Before taking dong quai, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Dong quai may not be recommended in some situations.

There is no information available regarding the use of dong quai by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take dong quai ()?

The use of dong quai in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take dong quai, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, teas, tinctures, and others) of dong quai at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of dong quai.

Store dong quai as directed on the package. In general, dong quai should be protected from light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.