Dan shen is the pinyin name for Salvia miltiorrhiza, a sage plant that is native to China, Japan, and nearby countries. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the root is known to be bitter and slightly cold, and it enters the Heart, Pericardium, and Liver meridians where it invigorates the blood (promoting microcirculation) and removes stagnation. In the “Materia Medica of Yunnan” dan shen is said to tonify the heart, settle the emotions, quiet the spirit, and make the heart tranquil. It relieves irritability, palpitations, and insomnia as it cools the blood.
Dan shen is also commonly used in formulas to treat gynecological disorders that involve blood heat and blood stasis. Additionally, it is also known to ease joint pain.
In modern research, dan shen has been seen to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke, and the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. It reduces oxidative stress, chest pain and hypertension. Dan shen has antioxidant and inflammation modulating effects.1,2
Dong Quai (dang gui) and Honeysuckle (jin yin hua) are sometimes combined with dan shen, as found in Health Concerns Flavonex, which also contains Kudzu (ge gen), a heat clearing herb that lifts Qi and fluid. Maté (Ilex paraguariensis, a close relative of mao dong qing) is an antioxidant-rich herb added to Flavonex for its cardioprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects.
Dan shen is a beneficial herb in many Health Concerns formulas, including:
- Formula H – a modified Bai Tou Weng Tang formula for resolving heat and bleeding, as seen with hemorrhoids.
- Marrow Plus – treats blood deficiency, anemia, and chronic pain.
- Woman’s Balance – invigorates congested liver qi, and nourishes blood and yin.
Dan shen is not recommended for patients who have low blood pressure. It may slow blood clotting, so it should not be used prior to surgery and should not be used in combination with blood thinning medications.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7555792/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6626924/