Identification of High-Quality Dan Shen (丹参):
1. Observe the morphology
High-quality Dan Shen consists of multiple rhizomes that are relatively thick and short.
2. Observe the color
It should be brick red or light red, with a surface that is not smooth and has many wrinkles.
3. Observe the cross-section
The texture of Dan Shen is relatively sharp and brittle, and it can be easily broken, with cracks present on the cross-section.
4. Water infusion test
Authentic Dan Shen, when soaked in water, will color the water to match its own hue without any pigment. In contrast, artificially dyed Dan Shen will cause the water to turn red due to the presence of pigments.
