Dong Quai: The Feminine Ginseng
Dong Quai is a root that grows high up in the cool mountains of China, Japan, and Korea. People have been using it for over 2,000 years to help support women’s health, keep the body strong, and balance the blood. It’s sometimes called “female ginseng” because it helps with energy and vitality, just like regular ginseng does. When your blood isn’t moving the way it needs to—like if your period is late, painful, or stuck—Dong Quai helps nudge your body back into flow.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong Quai is said to "return the body to balance.” That means helping your body get back on track when it feels off. The root contains natural plant chemicals that help relax muscles, ease pain, reduce swelling, and support smooth blood flow.
Known as a blood tonic, Dong Quai helps keep your blood healthy, moving, and strong.
It’s especially loved for how it helps people with wombs:
- Helps with menstrual cramps
- Supports regular period cycles
- Moves stuck or “stagnant” blood (helpful for people who get clots or feel sluggish before their period)
- Helps with symptoms of PMS and menopause
- Encourages circulation and warmth throughout the body
How It Helps in the PLANT B Protocol
The PLANT B PROTOCOL is an emergecncy contraception method outlined in the Sovereign Contraception guide- a guide created to introduce you to foundational tools like Fertility Awareness Method and herbal allies—plants to support menstrual health and pregnancy release, all while giving you all the permission without any shame to make the decisions that are best for YOU.
PLANT B is an herbal emergency contraception method that uses Queen Anne’s Lace (QAL) to prevent implantation. Inside the guide I outline the entire protocol. After finishing your final dose of QAL, you can follow up with Dong Quai to encourage your body to release and complete the cycle.
Dong Quai acts like a gentle nudge to the uterus. It helps encourage menstrual bleeding and uterine contractions, making sure everything that needs to leave the body can do so while simultaneously nourishing and replenishing the body. While this step is optional, it can feel empowering to have this extra layer of support.
How to Use It:
Precautions:
Don’t take Dong Quai if you’re pregnant or think you might be—it’s used to bring on bleeding, which could be harmful.
Don’t use it if you’re on blood-thinning medicine (like warfarin).
Avoid using if you’re experiencing diarrhea, heavy bleeding, or have certain health conditions—always check in with an herbalist or practitioner.
To use in conjunction with the Plant B Protocol: Use 2 oz (60 grams) of dried Dong Quai root. Simmer it in 1 quart of water. Cook for at least 3 hours to get the full medicine out of the roots. Drink the entire quart after your last dose of Queen Anne’s Lace.
Check out the full Plant B Protocol here.
When using outside of the protocol for daily nourishment: Use 2-6 grams (1-3 teaspoons) of dried root. Simmer in 8oz of water for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy. Drink for 3-4 days and then take a break.
Final Thoughts:
Dong Quai has been a trusted herbal ally for generations. Whether you’re using it for cramps, to support your menstrual cycle, or as part of your sovereignty practice with PLANT B, this root reminds us that nature has our backs.
We don’t need to fear our bodies or our cycles- we just need to learn how to support them.
