Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Circulatory
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a hardy perennial sage with purple flower clusters, growing up to 32 in (80 cm). Prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a circulatory tonic for heart and blood vessel health, dan shen helps “invigorate the blood” and ease conditions linked to blood stagnation, such as painful or irregular periods. Modern research affirms its beneficial effects in supporting heart function and reducing angina.
Traditional uses & properties
Heart & Circulatory Tonic: Enhances coronary circulation, beneficial for angina and heart disease prevention. Anticoagulant & Vasodilator: Relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow. Sedative: Helps calm palpitations and anxiety-related insomnia. Antibacterial: Contains compounds that support immune defense.
Safety & precautions
Serious Circulatory or Heart Conditions: Use only under professional supervision. Pregnancy: Avoid, as it may affect blood circulation in ways unsafe for pregnancy. Possible Digestive & Skin Reactions: Dan shen tinctures sometimes cause mild stomach upset or rashes.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to China, dan shen is cultivated mainly in the northeastern provinces and Inner Mongolia, thriving in moist, sandy soil. It is propagated by root division in spring. The root is harvested between late autumn and early spring.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) as follows: Heart & Circulatory Tonic: Enhances coronary circulation, beneficial for angina and heart disease prevention. Anticoagulant & Vasodilator: Relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow. Sedative: Helps calm palpitations and anxiety-related insomnia. Antibacterial: Contains compounds that support immune defense.
What safety cautions apply to Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)?
Serious Circulatory or Heart Conditions: Use only under professional supervision. Pregnancy: Avoid, as it may affect blood circulation in ways unsafe for pregnancy. Possible Digestive & Skin Reactions: Dan shen tinctures sometimes cause mild stomach upset or rashes.
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