Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. According to TCM theory, the main functions of Danshen include: clearing the heart and relieving irritability, regulating menstruation and alleviating pain, cooling the blood and resolving abscesses, and invigorating blood and dispelling stasis. Commonly sold Danshen products include: Compound Danshen Dripping Pills and Compound Danshen Tablets, which are generally used in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Whether used alone or in combination with other medications, Danshen can help clear the heart and relieve irritability.
Therefore, it can be used to treat abnormalities in mental state or irritability caused by heat syndromes. Moreover, Danshen can be combined with other ingredients for infusion, which is also beneficial.
01 What Nutritional Components Does Danshen Contain?
Modern research shows that Danshen contains lipid-soluble components such as Danshen ketone I, II A, II B, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone, hydroxydanshinone, tanshinone, isodanshinone I, II, danshinone new ketone, and methyl danshen acid. It also contains water-soluble components such as danshensu, danshen acid A, B, C, protocatechuic acid, and protocatechuic aldehyde.
Danshen is a commonly used herb for invigorating blood and dispelling stasis, and its significant effects have led to the saying in TCM, “One herb of Danshen is equivalent to four substances.” Modern studies confirm that Danshen has various effects, including vasodilation, lowering blood pressure, expanding coronary arteries to increase blood flow, calming effects, lowering blood sugar, and inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria. Additionally, Danshen can be stir-fried with pig’s blood, and adding some cooking wine can help clear heat, nourish the heart, and calm the spirit, which is beneficial for those suffering from insomnia.
02 Danshen’s “Golden Partners”: Regular Consumption May Promote Blood Circulation and Dissolve Thrombus, Unclog Blood Vessels
- Danshen + Goji Berries Danshen has the effects of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis, while goji berries (Lycium barbarum) nourish yin and tonify the kidneys. The therapeutic effects of these two herbs do not interfere with each other, and they can be taken together. Infusing Danshen and goji berries is beneficial for angina and hypertension, promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain, cools the blood, and nourishes the heart. It also has effects on lowering blood sugar, combating fatty liver, and preventing atherosclerosis.
- Danshen + Red Dates Infusing Danshen with red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) has the effect of nourishing blood and generating new blood, and it has a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases, as Danshen itself has excellent efficacy for cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, infusing Danshen and red dates promotes tissue regeneration and reduces oxygen consumption in the heart and lungs. Regular consumption can strengthen the body and enhance immunity.
- Danshen + Hawthorn Both hawthorn (Crataegus) and Danshen have certain medicinal values. For the human body, they provide excellent health benefits. The infusion of hawthorn and Danshen mainly helps to tonify qi and nourish blood, invigorate blood and dispel stasis, and strengthen the spleen and aid digestion. This is particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, as well as for women suffering from dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.
- Danshen + Chrysanthemum Infusing Danshen with chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) has a certain effect of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis, as Danshen can dilate blood vessels and help improve blood supply to the heart. This helps maintain smooth blood vessels and has an anti-platelet aggregation effect. Additionally, TCM believes that the liver opens to the eyes, and liver fire can cause discomfort in the eyes. Both Danshen and chrysanthemum enter the liver meridian, and their infusion can help clear liver heat and pacify liver yang, alleviating symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful eyes caused by liver wind-heat and liver fire.
- Danshen + Honey Consuming Danshen with honey has effects of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis, clearing the heart and relieving irritability, cooling the blood and resolving abscesses, as well as promoting bowel movements and beautifying the skin. This is because Danshen is a blood-nourishing and blood-invigorating agent that can promote blood circulation. Therefore, it has auxiliary therapeutic effects for menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, poor blood circulation, and injuries from falls.
- Danshen + Astragalus Danshen has the effects of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis, promoting qi and alleviating pain, and dilating blood vessels; while astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has the effects of tonifying qi, consolidating the exterior, and promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. Infusing astragalus and Danshen together has excellent liver-protective effects and can also help combat aging and enhance immunity. It can help control blood pressure and reduce lower body edema, making it a great alternative tea for patients with hypertension.
- Lily + Danshen Lily (Lilium) and Danshen have the effects of tonifying qi and nourishing blood, calming the heart and soothing the spirit. Danshen itself has the effects of tonifying qi and nourishing blood, invigorating blood and dispelling swelling. This is beneficial for women with menstrual irregularities. Lily contains proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, as well as certain special nutrients such as colchicine and other alkaloids. It can provide excellent nourishing functions and has protective effects against seasonal diseases.
03 What Should Be Noted When Using Danshen for Infusion?
- Directly Infusing with Hot Water When using Danshen slices, rinse them with clean water first, then soak them in boiling water. The usual soaking time is one to two hours, which can help regulate conditions related to the heart and brain blood vessels.
- Avoid Combining with Acidic Foods When consuming Danshen, it is important to avoid combining it with acidic foods, as most acidic foods are warm in nature. However, Danshen is cold in nature, and combining substances with different properties can lead to functional incompatibility, which may hinder its efficacy or even be harmful to the body.
- Recommended Dosage for Infusion It is important to remember the principle of moderation. Although Danshen has strong nourishing effects, it is advisable not to overconsume. A daily dosage of about 3 to 5 grams of Danshen for infusion is sufficient to maximize its effects without causing side effects.
- Allergic Reactions Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Danshen, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, dry mouth, and rashes with itching. Therefore, if there is a history of allergy to Danshen, it is not recommended to consume it again.
- Other Precautions It is advisable not to consume Danshen for extended periods or in large quantities, as its cold nature may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even diarrhea, especially in individuals with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Pregnant women, menstruating women, infants, or individuals with liver and kidney dysfunction should reduce or avoid Danshen under medical guidance to minimize its impact on the body.