Dong quai is a flowering, aromatic plant in the Apiaceae (syn. Umbelliferae) family, which includes carrot and parsley. It is native to the mountainous regions of China, Korea and Japan, where the root of the herb, a source of anti-inflammatory polysaccharides, has been widely used as food, spice, tonic and medicine to support cardiovascular health for more than 2,000 years. Although it is used by both men and women, it is sometimes referred to as “female ginseng.” Dong Quai root granules may be tinctured or prepared as tea or tonic.