DOSAGE of DONG QUAI
Dried Root - one heaped teaspoon dong quai in a cup of water, gently simmmered for 20 minutes, dose: half cup 3 x daily.
Fluid Extract - 10-20 drops dong quai fluid extract, 3 x daily.
Tincture - 30-60 drops (roughly 1 - 1.5 teaspoons), 3 x daily.
Raw herb (powdered whole dong quai root) 1-5 capsules, 3 x daily.

Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack of a Dong Quai product being used.

Some women can feel the benefits from using  Dong Quai almost immediately, but for others it may take much longer - as long as 4-8 weeks. This is at least the length of time that you should consider taking Dong Quai before giving up if symptoms do not improve. Unless, of course, symptoms worsen or a reaction to the herb is noted, in which case, you should stop taking Dong Quai until the reaction or symptoms have calmed and re-introduce at a much lower dose. If symptoms worsen or the reaction re-appears, stop taking the herb and consider an alternative product.

If you do benefit from Dong Quai, continue using it for 3-6 months, then reduce the dose by half for a few weeks. If the improvements are maintained, leave off altogether. If symptoms persist, return to the previous dosage, and continue for a further 2-3 months and try to reduce again. If symptoms keep returning, seek the help of a qualified practitioner in alternative therapy as it appears that a fundamental imbalance is not being addressed.

Resources

Menopause herbs

A 90-day Menopause Programme

An article about signs of menopause

Agnus Castus

Other Menopause Articles

Menopause and Exercise

Menopause and Stress

An article on Red Sage for menopause