The Efficacy and Uses of Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza): Contraindications and Consumption Methods

As one of the medicinal herbs, Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) primarily comes from the roots of the Lamiaceae family plant. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dan Shen is widely used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. It contains multiple active components, such as dan shen ketone and water-soluble phenolic acids, which provide numerous health benefits.

Cardiovascular health is one of the most important effects of Dan Shen. It can dilate coronary arteries, increase coronary blood flow, and improve myocardial blood and oxygen supply. Therefore, Dan Shen shows good effects in treating coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and arrhythmias. Additionally, its anti-platelet aggregation effect helps prevent thrombosis. In terms of anti-inflammatory effects, Dan Shen can alleviate the body’s inflammatory response by inhibiting the production or action of inflammatory mediators, which has a positive impact on treating chronic inflammatory diseases. Dan Shen also has protective effects on the liver. It can enhance liver detoxification functions and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis, providing auxiliary treatment effects for liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Furthermore, Dan Shen can mitigate the toxic effects of chemical drugs on the liver. In terms of regulating menstruation and relieving pain, Dan Shen is used to treat women’s menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea, promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain. Dan Shen also possesses antioxidant properties; its antioxidant components can scavenge free radicals, protecting the body from excessive oxidative stress damage, which is beneficial for delaying cellular aging. Moreover, studies have shown that Dan Shen has lipid-lowering and anti-cancer effects, but these functions require more clinical trials and scientific research to verify their efficacy and safety. In summary, Dan Shen, as a traditional herb, indeed demonstrates its significant healthcare value in modern medicine.

Contraindications for Dan Shen

However, not everyone is suitable for using Dan Shen. Here are some groups that may need to avoid or use Dan Shen with caution under medical guidance:

1. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Dan Shen has blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, which may affect fetal development or cause miscarriage. Breastfeeding women should avoid using Dan Shen due to a lack of research on whether its components pass through breast milk to infants.
2. Patients with bleeding disorders: Dan Shen has anticoagulant effects, and those with bleeding disorders such as ulcerative colitis or hemophilia should avoid using Dan Shen, as it may exacerbate bleeding.
3. Patients with low blood pressure: Dan Shen can dilate blood vessels, potentially leading to further drops in blood pressure, so caution is advised for those with low blood pressure.
4. Patients before and after surgery: Due to its anticoagulant properties, using Dan Shen before surgery may increase the risk of surgical bleeding, while using it after surgery may affect blood coagulation and prolong wound healing time.
5. Patients taking anticoagulant medications: For those using anticoagulants like warfarin, concurrent use of Dan Shen may enhance anticoagulant effects and increase bleeding risks.
6. Patients with chronic liver disease: There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of Dan Shen for patients with liver disease, so it should be used under medical supervision.
7. Drug interactions: Dan Shen may interact with other medications, such as hypoglycemic or lipid-lowering drugs, so consultation with a physician is advised when using these medications concurrently.
8. Allergic individuals: Those allergic to Dan Shen or other Lamiaceae plants should avoid its use.

It is important to note that the effects of herbal medicines largely depend on individual constitution and conditions. Therefore, it is best to consult a professional TCM practitioner or physician before using Dan Shen to determine its suitability for one’s health status and to understand the appropriate dosage and method of use.

Consumption Methods of Dan Shen

It is not only a well-known medicinal herb but also used as an ingredient in some regions. Here are several common methods of consuming Dan Shen:

• Dan Shen Soup: This is a common application method that combines the medicinal value of Dan Shen with food. Typically, people will cook Dan Shen with other medicinal herbs or foods.
• Ingredients:
  • Several pieces of Dan Shen (according to specific needs)
  • Meat (such as chicken or pork)
  • Other auxiliary ingredients (such as goji berries, red dates, and codonopsis)
• Method:
  1. Wash Dan Shen and cut it into slices or sections.
  2. Wash the meat and blanch it to remove blood foam.
  3. Put the prepared ingredients into a soup pot and add an appropriate amount of water.
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1-2 hours.
  5. Add salt to taste according to personal preference.
• Dan Shen Wine: This is a traditional method of consumption believed to enhance the blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects of Dan Shen.
• Ingredients:
  • Appropriate amount of Dan Shen
  • Sufficient white wine or yellow wine
• Method:
  1. Wash Dan Shen and dry it.
  2. Place Dan Shen in a clean glass bottle.
  3. Pour enough white wine or yellow wine to completely submerge Dan Shen.
  4. Seal the bottle and place it in a cool place to steep for about 3 months.
  5. During this time, shake the bottle occasionally to promote the dissolution of the effective components of Dan Shen.
  6. The prepared Dan Shen wine can be consumed in moderation, but avoid excessive intake.
• Dan Shen Stewed Meat: Cooking Dan Shen with meat not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also allows for the absorption of Dan Shen‘s nutritional components.
• Ingredients:
  • Appropriate amount of Dan Shen
  • Appropriate amount of pork or beef
  • Ginger slices, green onions, and other seasonings
• Method:
  1. Clean and slice Dan Shen.
  2. Cut the meat into pieces and blanch to remove blood foam.
  3. Add an appropriate amount of water and all ingredients to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the meat is tender.
  5. Add seasonings to adjust the flavor before serving.