How to Make Homemade Dong Quai Tea (Decoction)，This method extracts ligustilide and active compounds far better than simply pouring hot water over it.
Ingredients (Single Daily Serving)
- Dried dong quai root slices: 1.5–3 grams (standard daily dose; roughly 1–2 small handfuls of thin slices)
- Clean filtered water: 400–500 ml
Simple Step-by-Step Method
- Rinse the dried dong quai slices quickly under cool water to remove dust; do not soak long.
- Place dong quai and cold water into a small pot or saucepan.
- Bring gently to a simmer. Once boiling lightly, turn heat low.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Reduce liquid down to about 200–250 ml (one cup).
- Turn off heat, strain out the root slices.
- Let cool slightly; drink warm.
Pro Tips to improve taste & benefits
✅ Basic plain version: straight dong quai tea (slightly bitter, earthy flavour)
You can add gentle pairings to balance taste and boost effects:
- Red dates (jujubes): 2–3 pieces — sweetens naturally, enhances blood nourishment
- Goji berries: a small handful — great for menopause hot flashes, dryness
- Sliced ginger: thin slice — ideal if you have cold hands/feet, painful clotty periods
Best drinking routine
- Drink in the mid-morning, with light food (avoid empty stomach to prevent loose stools)
- Consume fresh on the same day; do not store leftover tea overnight.
Cycle Timing Rules for drinking
- Still having periods: Drink daily after your period ends until ovulation
- Pause during your period if flow is heavy; only use if your period is light, dark with clots
- Post-menopause: 14 days on, 7 days off rotation
Important safety notes
- Do not boil at a rolling hard boil for longer than 25 minutes — over-boiling degrades key active oils
- Do not exceed 3g dried root per day
- Stop immediately if you develop diarrhoea or stomach upset
- Discontinue once pregnancy is confirmed
Variation: Slow steep (no cooking pot)
If you have no saucepan:
Put dong quai in a thermos, pour boiling water inside, seal and steep for 30–40 minutes. This is weaker than simmered decoction — best as occasional backup only.
FAQ
Q: Can I reuse the dong quai slices a second time?
A: You can re-steep once, but the second brew will be much less potent. For full therapeutic benefits, use fresh slices daily.
Q: Does dong quai tea taste very bitter?
A: Yes, it has an earthy, mildly bitter herbal taste. Adding red dates is the most natural way to soften bitterness without sugar.
