Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is the dried root and rhizome of the plant from the Lamiaceae family, known for its ability to nourish blood and calm the spirit. It is one of the traditional herbs for invigorating blood and replenishing it, with effects such as promoting blood circulation, dissipating blood stasis, reducing swelling and stopping bleeding, alleviating inflammation and pain, regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual pain, dilating coronary arteries, improving myocardial ischemia, lowering blood pressure, calming the mind, reducing blood sugar, and exhibiting antibacterial properties. It is effective for conditions such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, blood circulation disorders, traumatic injuries, ulcers and swellings, anxiety, insomnia, and angina. Additionally, it has functions of inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing blood viscosity, and regulating both internal and external coagulation systems, making it a safe and reliable natural medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Side Effects of Dan Shen
Long-term use may lead to hypokalemia, as Dan Shen can affect kidney function, increasing potassium excretion in urine and lowering blood potassium levels. Those who take this herb for an extended period may experience symptoms of potassium deficiency, such as general weakness, muscle soreness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal bloating. Central nervous system reactions may include lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness, and even coma.
Patients taking Dan Shen should consume potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, which are high in potassium and can quickly replenish energy, as the sugars can be rapidly converted to glucose and absorbed by the body. Fresh vegetables and fruits like oranges, soybeans, celery, and sweet potatoes also contain significant amounts of potassium, as do lean pork, eel, peanuts, and kelp.
After taking Dan Shen, patients may experience bradycardia, dizziness, tinnitus, and general weakness. Those with bradycardia can consider adding Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Xie Bai (Garlic Chives) to their regimen to promote heart function.
Long-term use of Dan Shen can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to varying degrees of acid reflux, as well as stomach pain, reduced appetite, dry mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. These gastrointestinal reactions are related to Dan Shen’s ability to inhibit the secretion of digestive fluids. It is advisable to discontinue use and consider medications like Gastrointestinal Comfort or Probenecid; in severe cases, subcutaneous injection of atropine may be necessary.
Due to its blood-invigorating properties, excessive dosage of Dan Shen can lead to severe bleeding, especially in patients with heart conditions who are on anticoagulants. Caution is advised, and Dan Shen should be discontinued, with the administration of hemostatic agents and vitamins.
Dan Shen can cause allergic reactions, presenting as generalized skin itching, rashes, urticaria, and in some cases, accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, followed by pallor, cold limbs, sweating, hypotension, and even fainting or shock. Immediate intramuscular injection of epinephrine or dexamethasone, along with antihistamines like pheniramine, is recommended, along with the adjustment of herbal formula Shen Mai San.
Dietary Contraindications for Dan Shen
1. Dan Shen should not be consumed with vinegar or other acidic foods, as vinegar is sweet and sour, and warm in nature, while Dan Shen is slightly cold and promotes blood circulation and dissolves stasis. The two properties are incompatible, hence they should not be taken together.
2. Dan Shen should not be consumed with lamb liver, as the iron, calcium, and magnesium ions in lamb liver can react with the ketone and hydroxyl groups in Dan Shen, forming complexes that reduce its efficacy. Therefore, it is advised to avoid lamb liver when taking Dan Shen.
3. Additionally, Dan Shen should not be consumed with scallions, rhubarb, or milk.
Pharmacy Department Introduction
The Pharmacy Department of the Gumei Community Health Service Center consists of 14 members, including 1 deputy chief pharmacist and 5 senior pharmacists, 3 of whom have obtained clinical pharmacist qualifications in Shanghai. Relying on an “integrated” pharmacy, we achieve automation in drug dispensing, intravenous preparation, and ward medication management. Utilizing the hospital’s “standardization” construction, we comprehensively enhance drug supply, consultation, and clinical pharmacy service levels. Through an information platform, we have implemented refined and intelligent management of online medication. In 2017, we were awarded the Advanced Collective in the Shanghai Rational Drug Use Series Promotion and Education Activities (Pharmacy Department). In 2019, we received the Most Valuable Case Award in the fifth season of the East China Region’s Improvement of Medical Services Action National Competition. Starting in 2023, we have launched pharmacy outpatient services, providing free medication consultations, medication reconciliation, and medication therapy evaluations.
Department Service Purpose: To serve patients wholeheartedly.
Pharmacy Outpatient Service Hours
Thursday mornings from 8:00 to 11:30Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30
Contributed by: Pharmacy Department
Formatted by: Party and Government Office
Reviewed by: Shen Zhenyuan
