Root herb with ferulic acid, z-ligustilide, and unique phthalide compounds demonstrated to have antispasmodic, anti-platelet, and uterine-muscle-regulating effects. Used clinically in China alongside conventional gynecological treatment. Specifically studied for fibroid-related symptoms, menstrual pain, and anemia from heavy bleeding.
Chinese grocery stores are present in virtually every major US city — dong quai is more accessible than many specialty supplements. APEX connects this clinically-studied fibroid-relevant herb to the Black American women who need it most and teaches them how to access it at $8/month.
Z-ligustilide in dong quai acts on uterine smooth muscle as an antispasmodic — reducing fibroid-associated uterine contractions. Ferulic acid has anti-platelet activity that reduces the heavy clotting associated with fibroid bleeding. B12 and iron content specifically addresses the anemia that results from fibroid-related blood loss. This makes dong quai a mechanistically specific intervention for the fibroid epidemic in Black American women (3x prevalence rate, often diagnosed late).
Available at all Chinese grocery stores (dried root slices, $5-8/package). Simmer 3-5 slices in 3 cups water for 30 minutes; add dates and goji berries for a blood-building tonic soup. Can be taken as capsule extract (follow label dosing). Often combined with astragalus and red dates in Chinese medicine.
Free, no account needed to ask.