Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of the Lamiaceae family plant.
It is primarily cultivated in provinces such as Sichuan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Henan, and Shandong, with the Sichuan variety being the most widely produced, commonly referred to as Chuan Dan Shen.
The main component of Dan Shen is Tanshinone.
Harvesting and processing: Harvested in spring and autumn, the stems and leaves are removed, and the roots are dried.
Dan Shen is known as a “blood invigorating herb” and can promote blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, regulate qi, and relieve pain. It has health benefits for individuals with potential hypertension or cardiovascular symptoms.
Efficacy: Invigorates blood circulation, cools blood and reduces swelling, nourishes blood and calms the spirit.
Memory aid for efficacy: By associating the name and shape of the herb, one can remember its three main effects: invigorating blood, cooling blood, and nourishing blood.
It can treat cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, angina, and other conditions.
Dan Shen is one of the four treasures for middle-aged and elderly individuals, along with San Qi (Notoginseng), Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), and Shi Hu (Dendrobium).
Properties: Bitter, slightly cold, and enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
Characteristics:
1. A good medicine for invigorating blood and strengthening the heart, Dan Shen is beneficial for blood vessels, capable of dilating coronary arteries and improving microcirculation. Thus, it is a powerful weapon against thrombosis.
2. Accelerates healing of injuries, Dan Shen can shorten the recovery period of red blood cells and hemoglobin, increasing the number of connective tissue cells and promoting tissue repair.
Health remedies:
For treating neurasthenia: 15g of Dan Shen and 20g of Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) boiled in 600ml of water until reduced to 200ml for internal use.
For irregular menstruation, Dan Shen is ground into powder, with 6g taken each time, mixed with wine before consumption.
For treating burns: 240g of Dan Shen and 1000g of sheep fat boiled together to make a paste for application on the affected area.
Identification method for dyed Dan Shen:
We have a water test method: Soak Dan Shen in water; if the water color does not change, it is genuine. Additionally, the herb may swell, and its color may lighten. Inferior Dan Shen will turn the water red, and the herb will become light red.
Health remedies:
For treating neurasthenia: 15g of Dan Shen and 20g of Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) boiled in 600ml of water until reduced to 200ml for internal use.
For irregular menstruation, Dan Shen is ground into powder, with 6g taken each time, mixed with wine before consumption.
For treating burns: 240g of Dan Shen and 1000g of sheep fat boiled together to make a paste for application on the affected area.
Why do Shandong Dan Shen slices turn black?
The blackened slices are a result of a sweating process during preparation, not due to mold. The sweating process involves stacking semi-dried slices together until the inner part turns from white to purple-black. The prepared Dan Shen is then sliced thinly, resulting in a purple-black cross-section.
Why is this preparation necessary? There is significance in its existence!
The sweating process significantly increases the content of Tanshinone and enhances its water solubility, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Precautions: Pregnant women should use with caution and should not use it with Li Lu (Veratrum). Some unscrupulous merchants may use dyes to enhance profits, mixing roots of other herbs with similar colors to Dan Shen to pass them off as Dan Shen slices. Careful identification is necessary when purchasing. Dan Shen should not be taken with aspirin: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, while Dan Shen is a fundamental medication for treating coronary heart disease. Dan Shen should not be taken with milk or soybeans: Experts suggest that taking Dan Shen simultaneously with milk and soybeans may reduce its medicinal value due to the formation of complexes with calcium, magnesium, and iron ions present in both Dan Shen and soybeans.
​Purchase recommendation:Purchase Shandong Dan Shen that has undergone the sweating process and is in purple-black slices for the best quality.