Dang Gui (Dong Quai) Hair Oil
oil-blend
Ingredients
Conditions addressed
How to use
Apply a small amount to the affected area 1–2× daily. Patch-test on a small area of skin first.
- A traditional oil-blend made from Dong Quai root extract, Sesame oil, He Shou Wu, Jojoba oil.
- Prepare in small batches and store in a cool, dark place.
Interactions & contraindications
Dong Quai root extract
Full profile- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
Pregnancy
AvoidDong quai is a well-documented uterine stimulant with historical use to induce menstruation and labor — contraindicated throughout pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
AvoidHormone-modulating and uterine-stimulant activity mean it's generally avoided during breastfeeding as well.
Children
AvoidAs a hormone-modulating herb, dong quai is not used in children.
Blood thinners (warfarin)
Contains natural coumarins that add to anticoagulant effect.
Hormone therapies
Possible phytoestrogenic activity.
Sesame oil
Full profileNo herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Sesame oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Sesame oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
He Shou Wu
Full profile- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for He Shou Wu in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on He Shou Wu itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
Jojoba oil
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Jojoba oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Jojoba oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.