Dong Quai, a traditional Chinese herb often used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Also known as Angelica sinensis, it's commonly sold as a supplement for hormonal balance—but it doesn't play nice with blood thinners. If you're taking warfarin, aspirin, or even ibuprofen regularly, Dong Quai could push your bleeding risk into dangerous territory.
It’s not just about mixing it with prescription drugs. Dong Quai acts like a mild anticoagulant, a substance that slows blood clotting, similar to how aspirin works but less predictable. That means if you’re scheduled for surgery, dental work, or even a biopsy, your doctor needs to know you’re taking it. One study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found patients on Dong Quai had significantly longer clotting times compared to those who didn’t. And unlike prescription meds, supplements aren’t required to list side effects clearly—so you might not even realize you’re at risk until something goes wrong.
It’s not just the herb itself. Dong Quai often shows up in blends for women’s health, like those targeting PMS or hot flashes. If you’re taking one of those formulas, you might be getting Dong Quai without knowing it. Combine that with other herbal blood thinners, like ginkgo, garlic, or ginger, and the effect adds up. People who take three or more of these together have been hospitalized for unexplained bruising or bleeding gums. Even if you feel fine, your blood might be thinner than you think.
There’s no safe dose that’s guaranteed to be harmless if you’re on blood pressure meds, antidepressants, or hormone therapy. The real danger isn’t the herb—it’s the assumption that "natural" means "safe." If you’ve ever had a nosebleed that wouldn’t stop, or noticed purple spots on your skin after a light bump, that’s your body telling you something’s off. Stop taking Dong Quai and talk to your pharmacist. They’ve seen this before.
Below, you’ll find real cases and clear explanations about how Dong Quai interacts with other meds, what symptoms to watch for, and which supplements to avoid altogether. This isn’t theory—it’s what people have actually experienced, and what you need to know before your next bottle arrives.
Dong Quai and warfarin can dangerously increase bleeding risk when taken together. Learn why this herbal supplement is not safe for people on blood thinners, what the evidence shows, and what to do instead.
