Most frequently this herb is known as the female ginseng. Dong Quai is used quite readily in Chinese medicine for abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow, painful or difficult menstruation, and uterine bleeding. In addition, this herb was used historically for hot flashes associated with perimenopause, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Dong quai is said by many Chinese herbalists to help promote improved circulation to the reproductive organs of the female, thus, making it a menstrual balancer, aphrodisiac and assist with postpartum problems.

The active constituents of this herb seem to be aromatic volatile oils that affect the uterus, liver, heart, blood pressure and nervous system. These compounds are known as sequiterpene lactones and similar compounds are found in many medicinal plants.

A shrub up to 8 feet high. The stern is purplish with 3 toothed leaflets at the tip of each stern. White or greenish flowers occur in clusters at end of the stalk. It has a strong and peculiar but not an unpleasant odor. Found in rich, low ground near streams and swamps and in gardens throughout the U.S.

The sharp flavored leaves are cooked with acidic fruit, the shoots are used in salads, the steins and roots can be used as vegetables, and the seeds are used in pastry dishes. The rootstock should be gathered in the fall of the 2nd year. The whole plant is aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, and stimulant. Roots, in the 2nd year, and seeds, when mature, are historically used to treat stomach gas, induce vomiting, perspiration, bronchitis, rheumatism, gout and fever, to stimulate menstrual flow, heart burn, colic, general tonic, colds, spleen, liver and in epidemics. The extracted oil is used as a pleasant aromatic and tonic Take 3/4. cup of the decoction (l teaspoon of the root with 3/4. cup water) in 2 equal parts during the day.