Dong quai should not be used while pregnant, but it may be helpful for "after-pains" that commonly affect women as their uteruses shrink back down to normal size. According to TCM, dong quai is an excellent liver cleanser that opposes liver stagnation. It is commonly prescribed in TCM treatment programs for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure-lowering, anti-asthmatic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-arthritic properties have also been demonstrated in research studies.

Dong quai extracts in pill or liquid form should be standardized to 0.8 to 1.1 percent liguistilide.