Dan Shen, also known as Zi Dan Shen (Purple Dan Shen), has other names such as Chi Shen (Red Dan Shen), Shan Shen (Mountain Ginseng), Xie Chan Cao (Xie Chan Herb), Qi Ma Cao (Abandon Horse Herb), and Mu Yang Ru (Wood Goat Milk). Dan Shen is the dried root and rhizome of the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its surface is brownish-red or dark red, hence the name “Dan Shen.” It is primarily produced in Hebei, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Sichuan provinces. Harvested in autumn, the stems and leaves are removed, the soil is washed off, and after being moistened, it is sliced and dried. The best quality is characterized by a purplish-red color, thick strips, firm texture, and no broken pieces, and it can be used raw or stir-fried with wine. Now, let’s explore the efficacy and functions of Dan Shen and the best combinations for optimal effects!
01
The Efficacy and Functions of Dan Shen
1. Improving Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health
Taking Dan Shen can enhance myocardial contractility, thereby improving heart function, dilating blood vessels, and increasing blood flow, which helps prevent and treat arteriosclerosis;
2. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Stasis
Dan Shen is a commonly used herb for activating blood circulation, assisting in conditions of blood stasis such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and retained lochia. It can be used alone in powdered form, taken with wine, or combined with Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower), and Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort) for promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation. It also assists in treating masses and accumulations, combined with San Leng (Sparganium), E Zhu (Zedoary), and Gui Jia (Tortoise Shell); for treating pain in the abdomen, chest, and sides, it can be used alone as Dan Shen slices or combined with Tan Xiang (Sandalwood) and Sha Ren (Amomum) in a Dan Shen decoction for alleviating abdominal and gastric pain; for limb pain, trauma, and sores, it can be combined with Ru Xiang (Frankincense), Mo Yao (Myrrh), or Lian Qiao (Forsythia) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) for treating infections and swellings;
3. Delaying Aging
Dan Shen contains bioactive substances that can enhance cellular activity while eliminating excess free radicals in the body to prevent free radical peroxidation, thus achieving the effect of delaying aging.
4. Improving Sleep Quality
Formula: 5 walnut kernels, 6 grams of Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand), 15 grams of Dan Shen, and 50 grams of sugar. Method: Boil Dan Shen and Fo Shou to make a decoction, mash the walnut kernels and sugar into a paste, and add it to the Dan Shen and Fo Shou decoction, simmering for 10 minutes. Efficacy: Soothes the liver, regulates qi, relieves depression, and calms the mind. Dosage: Twice daily for several days.
02
Best Combinations with Dan Shen
1. Dan Shen Lean Meat Soup
Ingredients: 3 grams of Dan Shen, lean pork, 5 grams of Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berries)
Method: Clean all ingredients, place them in a pot, add water, and cook until done.
Efficacy: Nourishes yin and blood, calms the mind, clears the heart, relieves irritability, cools the blood, and reduces abscesses.
2. Dan Shen San Qi Black Chicken Soup
Ingredients: 3 grams of Dan Shen, 3 grams of San Qi (Notoginseng), black chicken, goji berries, red dates
Method: Clean all ingredients, place them in a clay pot, add water, and simmer for forty minutes.
Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, strengthens tendons and bones, nourishes blood and qi, and improves myocardial ischemia.
3. Dan Shen Red Date and Pork Rib Soup
Ingredients: 5 grams of Dan Shen, red dates, pork ribs, yam
Method: Clean all ingredients, place them in a clay pot, add water, and simmer for half an hour.
Efficacy: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, eliminates fatigue, beautifies the skin, and warms the meridians to dispel cold.
4. Dan Shen Longan Bone Soup
Ingredients: 5 grams of Dan Shen, longan, pork bones, red dates
Method: Clean all ingredients, place them in a clay pot, add water, and simmer for one hour.
Efficacy: Tonifies the heart and spleen, nourishes blood, calms the mind, and invigorates blood circulation, which can improve qi and blood deficiency, insomnia, and forgetfulness.
Conclusion: What is the best combination for making soup with Dan Shen? Dan Shen can be paired with various ingredients such as lean pork, black chicken, pork ribs, and pork bones to make soups like Dan Shen Lean Meat Soup and Dan Shen Longan Bone Soup. Consuming in moderation can have a beneficial effect on the body.
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