This prescription comes from Mr. Shi Jinmo, one of the four great doctors of Beijing.
Shi Jinmo (March 28, 1881 – August 22, 1969), originally named Yuqian, courtesy name Jiangsheng, was from Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. He was a modern Chinese medicine clinician, educator, and reformer, recognized as one of the “Four Great Doctors of Beijing”.
Shi Jinmo dedicated his life to the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). He advocated for the integration of Chinese and Western medicine and trained many TCM talents. He engaged in clinical practice for a long time, curing many difficult and severe cases, creating numerous new medicines, and contributing 700 prescriptions. He made outstanding contributions to TCM and enjoys a high reputation both domestically and internationally.
Mr. Shi Jinmo (right)
Another characteristic of Mr. Shi’s medication is the emphasis on processing. Many familiar Chinese herbs, after processing, have more accurate effects and are used more skillfully. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a well-known herb for activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, and calming the heart and spirit, which is helpful in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
In Mr. Shi Jinmo’s prescription, he used Mi Danshen (Processed Danshen), as he informed us, this is because Danshen is slightly cold, and many patients with a cold spleen and stomach are not suitable for its use. In such cases, Mi Chao Danshen (Stir-fried Danshen) can be chosen,which not only reduces the cold nature of Danshen but also enhances its calming effect.
So how do we prepare Mi Danshen?
Method
We can take 20 grams of millet, place it in a stainless steel pot moistened with water, and heat it over medium-low heat. When the millet starts to smoke, add 100 grams of Danshen slices. The ratio of Danshen to millet is 5:1.
After adding Danshen to the pot, stir continuously until the color of the Danshen slices changes from red to deep purple. Then, remove the Danshen, sift out the millet grains, and let it cool before use.
Using rice to fry Danshen is more suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach;
Using millet to fry Danshen can better enhance the effects of nourishing the heart and calming the spirit.