Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that follows a traumatic event. While traditional treatment can be effective, pharmaceutical medication comes with side effects and unwanted risks. Due to this, some have considered natural alternatives, such as using dong quai for PTSD.

What is Dong Quai?

Dong quai, also known as Angelica Sinensis, is an herb indigenous to China, Japan, and North/South Korea. In these regions, the root has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. In the West, dong quai is a food additive or flavoring. ¹

As more Westerners start to embrace traditional herbal supplements, dong quai has been brought into question.

Dong quai has been found to act upon estrogen and other hormones within animals. While there’s no indication it does so in humans, many scientists agree it probably has a similar effect.

This effect is reported to help in the relief of various conditions, including:

• Heart complications
• Menopause
• Premature ejaculation
• Renal insufficiency

Dong Quai may also act as an antioxidant, which can help fight against cancer and HIV/AIDS. ²

Can You Use Dong Quai for PTSD?

Dong Quai may help relieve certain symptoms of PTSD, including: ³ ⁴

• Adrenal gland response
• Brain inflammation
• Nervous system control and management
• Panic attacks and stress

What Does the Research Say?

Research has found that dong quai reduces inflammation in the brain and helps regulate nervous system and adrenal gland responses. Both properties are essential to relieve PTSD symptoms. However, there isn’t enough research to confirm it can help you.

The only published confirmation comes from a surgeon’s guide. It reports that dong quai has anti-inflammatory properties which can positively impact the nervous system. ⁵

Due to this lack of evidence, some herbalists may suggest you use dong quai alongside other natural treatment remedies.

Dong Quai Side Effects

When combined with certain heart medications (like blood thinners), dong quai may post mild to moderate interactions. On top of this, it may also interact with the following:

• Anamu
• Dashen
• Devils claw
• Green tea
• Tumeric
• St. John’s Wort

Furthermore, dong quai holds the potential to produce the following side effects: ⁶

• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Lower blood sugar
• Sweating
• Trouble with sleep
• Upset stomach/nausea

While less common, dong quai may produce more severe side effects. If you experience the following from dong quai, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dramatic drops in blood pressure
• Increased bleeding risk (especially if the patient is on blood thinners)
• Vision loss

Dong Quai Dosage Recommendation

Dong Quai dosage varies depending on the method you take it. The most common include:

• Capsules
• Edibles
• Extracts
• Tinctures

Most people take dong quai in capsules. These average 500mg per serving, meant to be taken three to six times daily. However, it’s strongly recommended you do not exceed 3000mg of dong quai daily.

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Dong Quai Reviews

With so many herbal options for anxiety, it can be difficult to choose one. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the most reputable companies to purchase dong quai from:

Solaray’s Dong Quai is in the form of 550mg capsules. This is made of the grounded-up root and a vegetable capsule.

Solaray also makes a Female Hormone Blend which consists of dong quai, black cohosh, passion flower, chamomile and cramp bark.

Swanson Vitamins provides their own Full Spectrum Dong Quai supplement. Each capsule is a 520mg dose. Each bottle contains 100 capsules which is meant to serve as a 100-day supply.

Herb Pharm’s Dong Quai System Restore is a liquid tincture you can take directly or put into your favorite drink. It is best taken between meals, with drops taken two to four times daily at 0.7 ml a dose.

Nature’s Way has their own Dong Quai Root Supplement, at 1130mg a capsule. The serving suggestion is two capsules, which equals out to 2260mg.

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References

¹ Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006–. Dong Quai. 2021 May 17. PMID: 30000896.

² “Dong Quai” or “Angelica sinensis”. Posit Health News. 1998 Fall;(No 17):15-6. PMID: 11366544.

³ Shen J, Zhang J, Deng M, Liu Y, Hu Y, Zhang L. The Antidepressant Effect of Angelica sinensis Extracts on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression Is Mediated via the Upregulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7434692. doi: 10.1155/2016/7434692. Epub 2016 Aug 25. PMID: 27642354; PMCID: PMC5014956.

⁴ Yeh TS, Huang CC, Chuang HL, Hsu MC. Angelica sinensis improves exercise performance and protects against physical fatigue in trained mice. Molecules. 2014 Mar 31;19(4):3926-39. doi: 10.3390/molecules19043926. PMID: 24691065; PMCID: PMC6271504.

⁵ Tessier DJ, Bash DS. A surgeon’s guide to herbal supplements. J Surg Res. 2003 Sep;114(1):30-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-4804(03)00130-6. PMID: 13678695.

⁶ Al-Bareeq RJ, Ray AA, Nott L, Pautler SE, Razvi H. Dong Quai (angelica sinensis) in the treatment of hot flashes for men on androgen deprivation therapy: results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. Can Urol Assoc J. 2010 Feb;4(1):49-53. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.775. PMID: 20165579; PMCID: PMC2811999.