Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Dan Shen

Red sage roots | 丹参

Salvia miltiorrhiza

Dan Shen (Red sage roots) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Bitter

Organ Affinity

Heart, Liver

Parts Used

Dried root and rhizome

Explore More About This Herb

TCM Actions & Uses Research Studies Preparation & Dosage Safety & Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Dan Shen

Traditional Actions

Remove Blood Stagnation
Relieve pain
Invigorate blood
Clear the Heart
Relieve irritability
Promote menstrual flow

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dan Shen belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

 

Furthermore Dan Shen is Cool in nature. This means that Dan Shen tends to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Dan Shen can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Dan Shen also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Dan Shen tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Dan Shen is thought to target the Heart and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Irregular menstruation Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Chest pain Rheumatoid arthritis Hepatosplenomegaly Angina Restlessness Insomnia Abdominal masses Chest stabbing pain Abdominal stabbing pain Painful obstruction Syndrome due to Heat Sores Ulcers Anxiety Enlarged Liver Enlarged Spleen Angina pectoris

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Dan Shen

60 eligible randomized controlled trials indicate that Danshen dripping pill is apparently more effective than isosorbide dinitrate in treating angina pectoris.1

Administration of Danshen Chuanxiongqin Injection before percutaneous coronary intervention could effectively inhibit the activation of platelets, improve post-operative myocardial blood perfusion, and lower the incidence of the myocardial damage.2

Salvia miltiorrhiza hydrophilic extract has a potential protective effect on the development of diabetic cardiovascular disease.3

Fufang Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) extract reduced systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, and was well tolerated in patients with hypertension.4

Sources:

1. Jia Y, Huang F, Zhang S, Leung SW. (2012). Is danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) dripping pill more effective than isosorbide dinitrate in treating angina pectoris? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Cardiol. , 157(3):330-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.12.073. Epub 2011 Jan 19.

2. Wang R, Han QH, Jia YP. (2011). Effect of danshen chuanxiongqin injection on the myocardial damage of unstable angina patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. , 31(7):899-902.

3. Qian S, Wang S, Fan P, Huo D, Dai L, Qian Q. (2012). Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydrophilic extract on the endothelial biomarkers in diabetic patients with chronic artery disease. Phytother Res. , 26(10):1575-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4611. Epub 2012 Feb 8.

4. Yang TY, Wei JC, Lee MY, Chen CM, Ueng KC. (2012). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Fufang Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) as add-on antihypertensive therapy in Taiwanese patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Phytother Res. , 26(2):291-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3548. Epub 2011 Sep 2.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Dan Shen

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities and smaller stems, wash, cut in thick slices and dry

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3 - 12 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Dan Shen

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Dan Shen may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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