Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), also known as red sage, purple Dan Shen, and red root, is the dried root and rhizome of the plant from the Lamiaceae family. It contains tanshinones and is a strong agent for promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. It is primarily produced in Anhui, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces. Regular supplementation of Dan Shen can help in removing blood stasis and alleviating pain, promoting blood circulation, calming the heart, and relieving irritability. Regular consumption of such foods can improve coronary heart disease and regulate the body’s metabolic conditions. Let’s explore the efficacy and uses of Dan Shen and its proper consumption methods!
The Efficacy and Uses of Dan Shen
1Promotes Blood Circulation
Dan Shen can dilate coronary arteries, increase coronary blood flow, improve myocardial ischemia and infarction, and regulate heart rhythm. It can also dilate peripheral blood vessels, improve microcirculation, shorten the recovery period of red blood cells and hemoglobin, increase reticulocyte count, promote tissue repair, and accelerate fracture healing.
2Prevents Thrombosis
Dan Shen has anticoagulant properties, promotes fibrinolysis, inhibits platelet aggregation, and suppresses thrombus formation.
3Protects the Liver
Dan Shen can inhibit or reduce liver cell degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory responses, promote liver cell regeneration, and has anti-fibrotic effects. Additionally, it has inhibitory effects on various bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Proper Consumption Methods of Dan Shen
1Dan Shen Decoction
We can wash Dan Shen thoroughly, cut it into pieces or slices, and place it in a pot with water to simmer. When the Dan Shen water changes color and emits a medicinal aroma, we can add some brown sugar water for flavor and continue to simmer on low heat until ready to serve with various seasonings. This method of consumption is convenient and effective.
2Dan Shen Infused in Alcohol
It is best to purchase Dan Shen slices and safflower along with other medicinal ingredients. After cleaning them, soak them in white liquor for about half a month before consumption. It is advisable to limit the amount and frequency of consumption.
3Dan Shen Chicken Stew
First, clean the chicken, place it in a pot with water, add aromatic spices, and the cleaned Dan Shen. Then, boil on high heat until the chicken is cooked, add various seasonings, and it is ready to serve.
4Dan Shen Tea
Women can brew a cup of Dan Shen and motherwort tea in their daily lives. Take an appropriate amount of Dan Shen slices and motherwort, and brew them with hot water. It can be steeped multiple times but should not be consumed overnight.
5Dan Shen and Safflower Porridge
Ingredients: 10g Dan Shen, 6g safflower, 150g japonica rice, 25g white sugar.
Method:
① Soak Dan Shen until soft, slice thinly; wash safflower to remove impurities; rinse japonica rice clean.
② Place japonica rice, Dan Shen, and safflower in an aluminum pot, add 800g of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 35 minutes, and add white sugar to finish.
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