Should I Stop Dong Quai Before Surgery?

YES — you must stop taking dong quai before surgery.

Main Reason

Dong quai has blood-moving (activating blood circulation) properties.

It can increase bleeding risk during and after surgery:

• Higher chance of intraoperative oozing
• More bruising, hematoma formation after the operation
• Slower clotting at surgical incision sites

Recommended Timing

Cease dong quai at least 7–10 days prior to any planned surgery.

This gives your body enough time to clear the active compounds (ligustilide) from your bloodstream.

This rule applies to all surgeries:

• Minor day surgery (cyst removal, endoscopy procedures with sedation)
• Gynecological operations (hysterectomy, endometriosis surgery, fibroid removal)
• General orthopedic, abdominal, plastic surgery

Critical steps you need to do

1. Tell your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or pre-op nurse that you are taking dong quai. Many surgical checklists ask about herbal supplements — do not leave it out.
2. Stop all forms: tea, decoction, capsules, tinctures.
3. Do not resume dong quai until your surgeon approves post-operatively (usually several days after surgery, once active wound bleeding risk passes).

Special Notes

• If you accidentally took dong quai close to your surgery date: inform your medical team immediately. They will monitor you closely for bleeding.
• The same pre-surgery break rule also applies to other blood-moving herbs: turmeric high dose, safflower, corydalis.

Summary Guideline

Stop dong quai 7–10 days before surgery to minimise bleeding complications.

After surgery, wait for clearance from your doctor before starting it again.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is a 3-day break enough time?

A: Not ideal. 3 days may not fully clear the active ingredients; stick to the minimum 7-day window for safety.

Q: Does low-dose dong quai still need a break?

A: Yes. Even low daily doses create cumulative effects that raise surgical bleeding risk.