Dong quai (Angelica sinsensis) is native to China, Korea, and Japan, thriving in cold and damp high-altitude environments. It ranks among the most popular botanicals in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for female-specific general health, while ginseng remains the traditional tonic for male wellbeing. A member of the celery family, its roots are rich in compounds with diverse health benefits.

Ligustilide and ferulic acid stand out among the mosaic of compounds in dong quai that research credits for its health benefits. These biologically active, organic compounds are available in synthetic form; however, centuries of use in TCM lean towards the safety and efficacy of these compounds and other constituents in their naturally occurring ratios in dong quai.