Dong quai is probably the second most valued herb in Chinese medicine and is often referred to as a sort of ginseng for women. It is used to balance the female reproductive system and is particularly useful during the critical period of puberty and menopause, but it also helps with the monthly cycle. It is a general tonic herb for almost all issues faced by women, everything from hormone balance to bleeding and the aftermath of giving birth to a baby. It is even used for headaches that are caused by blood insufficiency. Dong quai is a Chinese kind of angelica and should be considered by anyone who is discontinuing use of hormonal medications.