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.
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