Danshen (丹蔘 / Salvia miltiorrhiza) [ H-172-A-E ]

Danshen (丹蔘 / Salvia miltiorrhiza) - The Red Guardian of Vascular Health

 Boost circulation, remove blood stasis! Discover Danshen (Salvia root), the "Vessel Cleanser." Learn its benefits for heart health, how to take & precautions.

Salvia (https://www.herbalreality.com/)

Classification information

1. Code Number: H-172-A-E
   
   
2. Author: Herbsdict
   
   
3. Date: 2025.06.04.
   
   
4. Label/Tag:

Basic Information

1. Common Name: Danshen, Red Sage, Chinese Sage, Salvia Root
   
   
2. Scientific Name: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge
   
   
3. Family: Lamiaceae (or Labiatae)
   
   
4. Part Used: Root
   
   
5. Key Constituents: Tanshinone compounds (Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Cryptotanshinone, etc.), Salvianolic acid compounds (Salvianolic acid B, etc.), Protocatechualdehyde, Vitamin E
   
   
6. Key Benefits: Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis (Huoxue Quyu), Nourishes blood and calms the spirit (Yangxue Anshen), Clears heart fire and relieves vexation (Qingxin Chufan), Relieves pain (Zhitong), Antithrombotic, Antioxidant, Myocardial protection
   
   
7. Properties (性味): Bitter (苦), Slightly Cold (微寒).
   
   
8. Meridian Tropism (歸經): Heart (心), Pericardium (心包), Liver (肝) meridians.

Salvia ( https://www.thespruce.com)

1. 'Red Ginseng,' The Story of Danshen: History and Origin

Danshen, as its name suggests, means 'a precious medicinal herb (蔘) with a red (丹) color.' It is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and its thick, reddish roots are primarily used for medicinal purposes. It is native to China and is also cultivated in Korea.

The history of Danshen use is very deep, to the extent that it is listed as a top-grade medicinal herb in "Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經)," known as China's earliest pharmacological text. Since then, it has been primarily recognized as an important medicinal herb for blood-related diseases, especially for removing blood stasis (瘀血, stagnant bad blood in the body) and promoting blood circulation.

Korea's "Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑)" describes Danshen as follows: "Its nature is slightly cold, its taste is bitter, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats weak and numb legs, lower abdominal pain, all kinds of pain, pain due to blood stasis, inability to use limbs, drawing out pus, and promoting new flesh growth," explaining its diverse efficacy.

In modern times, active scientific research into these traditional benefits of Danshen has been conducted, and its effects on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and improving blood circulation have been proven. Its efficacy for vascular health is so outstanding that it has earned the nickname 'vessel cleanser,' and it is now widely used as an ingredient in health functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Salvia Root

2. How Does Danshen Clean Our Blood Vessels? (Key Benefits and Mechanisms of Action)

The diverse health benefits of Danshen are primarily manifested through the complex actions of its two main series of active constituents: Tanshinones and Salvianolic acids.

2.1. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis (Huoxue Quyu): Core for Vascular Health

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Vasodilation: Tanshinone components in Danshen promote the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) in vascular endothelial cells, relaxing and dilating blood vessels. This contributes to smooth blood flow and lower vascular resistance.
    
    
  • Antiplatelet Aggregation: Danshen inhibits platelets from clumping together to form thrombi (blood clots). This helps lower blood viscosity and allows blood to flow clearly.
    
    
  • Promotes Breakdown and Excretion of Blood Stasis: It helps dissolve and excrete blood stasis, which is stagnant in the body and causes various pains and diseases.
    
    
• Key Benefits:
  • Prevention and Improvement of Angina and Myocardial Infarction: It can help alleviate angina symptoms and prevent myocardial infarction by improving coronary blood flow and ensuring smooth oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart muscle.
    
    
  • Prevention of Stroke and Improvement of Sequelae: It can contribute to stroke (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage) prevention by improving cerebral blood circulation and inhibiting thrombus formation, and may also partially aid in removing blood stasis and functional recovery from stroke sequelae.
    
    
  • Improvement of Hyperlipidemia: Research has shown its effect in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels, which can help prevent arteriosclerosis.
    
    
  • Improvement of Peripheral Blood Circulation Disorders: It can help alleviate symptoms caused by impaired peripheral circulation, such as numbness in hands and feet, cold extremities, and varicose veins.
    
    
  • Improvement of Gynecological Diseases: Used to improve symptoms of gynecological diseases caused by blood stasis, such as dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and endometriosis.
    
    
  • Alleviation of Pain from Bruises, Muscle Aches, etc.: Relieves pain by resolving blood stasis.
    
    

2.2. Nourishing Blood and Calming the Spirit (Yangxue Anshen) & Clearing Heart Fire and Relieving Vexation (Qingxin Chufan): Mental Stability and Heart Protection

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Danshen has the effect of replenishing blood and strengthening heart function to stabilize the spirit. It helps calm the mind by clearing heart fire and relieving stuffiness.
    
    
• Key Benefits:
  • Alleviation of Palpitations, Anxiety, and Agitation: Calms excessive heart excitation and stabilizes the mind to relieve symptoms of palpitations or anxiety.
    
    
  • Improvement of Insomnia: For those who cannot sleep due to racing thoughts and chest stuffiness, it can help improve sleep quality by comforting the mind and body.
    
    
  • Improvement of Memory and Concentration: Research suggests it may indirectly contribute to preventing memory decline and improving concentration through improved cerebral blood flow and neuroprotective effects.
    
    

2.3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Polyphenolic compounds such as Salvianolic acid B, abundant in Danshen, exert strong antioxidant effects, scavenging free radicals that damage cells and accelerate aging.
    
    
  • It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.
    
    
• Key Benefits:
  • Cell Protection and Anti-aging: It can help promote overall health and delay aging by protecting cells from free radicals.
    
    
  • Prevention and Alleviation of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: It may contribute to the prevention and symptom relief of chronic inflammation-related diseases such as arthritis and dermatitis.
    
    

2.4. Liver Protection Effect

• Some studies suggest that Danshen may help protect liver cells and improve liver function. Research on its effect of inhibiting liver fibrosis progression is ongoing.

Salvia Root

3. How to Utilize and Consume Danshen? (Usage and Dosage Guide)

Danshen roots are primarily dried and used as a medicinal herb, often brewed as a tea or decocted with other herbs.

3.1. Brewing and Drinking Danshen Tea (Most Common Method)

• Ingredients: 10-20g of dried Danshen, 1-1.5 liters of water.
  
  
• How to make:
  1. Wash the Danshen thoroughly under running water.
  2. Put the Danshen and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the water volume is reduced by about half (approx. 30 minutes to 1 hour).
  4. Strain the decoction to remove solids and drink warm, 2-3 times a day.
     
     
• Honey Tip:
  • If the unique bitter taste of Danshen is too strong, adding a few jujubes while boiling can make the taste much milder.
  • Adding a small amount of cinnamon or ginger when boiling can also be good for enhancing blood circulation. (Caution for those with a hot constitution).
    
    

3.2. Making Danshen Infused Liquor (Damgeumju)

• Ingredients: 100-200g of dried Danshen, 1.8 liters of Soju for infusion (over 30% alcohol).
  
  
• How to make:
  1. Wash the Danshen thoroughly and dry it completely.
  2. Put the Danshen and Soju in a sterilized glass jar and seal it.
  3. Age in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months.
     
     
• How to take: Drink 1-2 small cups (Soju glass ) after dinner in the evening or before bed. Avoid over-drinking.
  
  

3.3. Utilizing in Food

• When cooking meat dishes like chicken or duck, adding a few slices of Danshen can remove gamey smells and add medicinal benefits.
  
  
• It can be used with other medicinal herbs in nourishing soups like Samgyetang.
  
  

3.4. Utilizing Powder or Extract Products

• Consuming commercially available Danshen powder or extract health supplements is a convenient option. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and method on the product label.

Dried Danshen Root / Salvia Root

4. Danshen: Know This Before You Take It! (Side Effects and Precautions)

As Danshen has potent effects, there are important precautions to observe when consuming it.

• Increased Bleeding Tendency (Most Important!):
  • Danshen has a strong anticoagulant effect and can increase bleeding tendency.
    
    
  • Patients taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) must consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Concurrent use can significantly increase bleeding risk.
    
    
  • Individuals with bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia or gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid consumption.
    
    
  • It should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before surgery as it can increase bleeding risk.
    
    
• Prohibited for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:
  • Danshen's action of resolving blood stasis may pose a risk of miscarriage during pregnancy, so it should absolutely not be used.
    
    
  • Safety data for breastfeeding women is also insufficient, so consumption should be avoided.
    
    
• Caution for Hypotensive Patients:
  • Danshen has a blood pressure-lowering effect, so hypotensive patients should be cautious as symptoms like dizziness may occur.
    
    
• Possible Gastrointestinal Discomfort:
  • Rarely, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. Those with a weak stomach should take it after meals or in a diluted form.
    
    
• Prohibition of Concomitant Use with 'Veratrum Nigrum (Yeoro, 藜蘆)' (Incompatible Combination):
  • In traditional Korean medicine, Danshen and Veratrum Nigrum are considered incompatible and should not be used together (risk of increased toxicity).
    
    
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Rarely, allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching may occur. It's good to start with a small amount to check for adverse reactions when taking for the first time.
    
    
• Avoid Overdose:
• Even good medicinal herbs can cause side effects if taken in excess. It's important to adhere to the appropriate dosage instructed by a specialist.

Salvia extract (https://zyrexayurveda.com/)

5. Current Trends in Scientific Research on Danshen

Modern research is actively being conducted to scientifically prove the traditional efficacy of Danshen and explore new possibilities.

• Research on Cardiovascular Diseases: The vasorelaxant, antiplatelet aggregation, antioxidant, and myocardial protective effects of Danshen extract and its main components (Tanshinone IIA, Salvianolic acid B, etc.) have been confirmed through numerous animal experiments and clinical studies. Its efficacy in preventing and treating various cardiovascular diseases such as angina, myocardial infarction, and hyperlipidemia is being studied.
  
  
• Research on Cerebrovascular Diseases: Protective effects against cerebral ischemic injury and thrombolytic effects have been observed in animal models, and research on its role in stroke prevention and improvement of sequelae is ongoing.
  
  
• Research on Liver Protection Effects: Studies have reported its liver protection effects, such as inhibiting liver fibrosis and alleviating liver cell damage.
  
  
• Research on Anticancer Effects: Some tanshinone components have shown antitumor effects (inhibiting cancer cell growth, inducing apoptosis) in laboratory studies, but further research is needed for human efficacy.
  
  
• Research on Diabetic Complications: The effects of Danshen on preventing and alleviating diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are being studied.

These studies suggest that Danshen is a medicinal herb with the potential to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

6. Conclusion: Maintain Healthy Blood Vessels and a Vibrant Life with 'Vessel Cleanser' Danshen!

Clean and healthy blood vessels are fundamental to our overall well-being. Danshen, the 'vessel cleanser,' is a precious gift from nature that can help promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The powerful vitality contained in its red roots can breathe new life into our body's blood vessels.

However, to safely and effectively enjoy the benefits of Danshen, it is crucial to accurately understand your health condition and strictly adhere to proper intake methods and precautions. I want to re-emphasize that particular caution is needed for those taking medications.

Starting today, by practicing healthy eating and lifestyle habits along with the wise use of nature's wisdom like Danshen, I hope you maintain clear, healthy blood vessels and lead a vibrant life.

References :

• Traditional Korean medicine texts such as Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經) and Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑)
• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Korea) - Information on Herbal Medicines (or relevant pharmacopoeia)
• World Health Organization (WHO) monographs on selected medicinal plants - Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
• Wang, L., Ma, R., Liu, C., Liu, H., Zhu, R., Guo, S., ... & Li, Y. (2017). Salvia miltiorrhiza: a potential red light to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Current pharmaceutical design, 23(8), 1077-1097. (Example paper)
• Academic databases such as PubMed (Research papers related to Salvia miltiorrhiza, Danshen, cardiovascular, tanshinone, salvianolic acid)
• Encyclopedia of Korean Culture - Dansam (Danshen)
• Credible health information websites and specialized books on medicinal herbs

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