Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), as an important member of traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its ability to invigorate blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, as well as cool the blood and reduce swelling. It is widely used for the regulation and health care of the cardiovascular system, particularly suitable for symptoms caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as heart problems and irregular menstruation in women. Today, let us take a closer look at this herb that invigorates blood and unblocks meridians!
Aliases: Xue Shen (Blood Root), Zi Dan Shen (Purple Salvia), Wu Feng Hua (Five Phoenix Flower), and Huoxue Gen (Blood Invigorating Root).
Taste and Properties: Bitter, slightly cold, enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
Main Functions: Dan Shen is slightly cold and bitter in nature, with the functions of invigorating blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, calming the heart, and cooling the blood to eliminate abscesses. It is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases, chest tightness and heart pain caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, and irregular menstruation, making it suitable for individuals with poor blood circulation or Qi and blood stagnation.
Characteristics of Dan Shen:
* The root of Dan Shen is purplish-red or brownish-red, hard in texture, with a faint medicinal aroma.
* It excels in invigorating blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and alleviating pain, commonly used for the cardiovascular health of middle-aged and elderly individuals, helping to lower blood lipids and promote blood circulation.
* Dan Shen has a bitter taste and is often used in combination with other blood-nourishing and blood-invigorating herbs to gently regulate Qi and blood deficiency and stagnation issues.
Simple Application Tips:
* Dan Shen Tea: Soak Dan Shen with rose petals in water to help soothe emotions and invigorate blood circulation, suitable for daily health care.
* Dan Shen Soup: Stew Dan Shen with Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), etc., to nourish blood and invigorate blood circulation, suitable for individuals with long-term Qi and blood deficiency.
* Dan Shen Wine: Soak Dan Shen with Huang Jing (Polygonatum sibiricum), Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum), etc., in wine to invigorate blood circulation and nourish the liver and heart, suitable for cardiovascular health regulation and individuals with long-term poor blood circulation.
Contraindications:
* Pregnant women should avoid taking Dan Shen due to its blood-invigorating properties, which may pose a risk of miscarriage.
* Individuals with a cold constitution should also use it cautiously to avoid exacerbating cold symptoms.
* Those with a tendency to bleed or who are taking anticoagulant medications are advised to avoid Dan Shen to prevent drug interactions.
* Children should use it under the guidance of a physician and with adult supervision.