In modern society, with the improvement of living standards, people’s health awareness is increasing, and many Chinese herbal medicines, such as Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), are becoming increasingly popular.Danshen, also known as Chi Shen (Red Salvia) or Shan Shen (Mountain Salvia), is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its dried root is one of the most commonly used medicines for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in clinical practice.

First, let’s understand the nutritional components of Danshen:

Modern research shows that Danshen contains lipid-soluble components such as Danshenone I, II A, II B, Hydroxy Danshenone, Isodanshenone, Danshenone, Isodanshenone I, II, Danshen acid methyl ester, Danshenol I, II, III, Danshen quinone A, B, C, Methylene Danshen quinone, and Danshen phenol, Danshen aldehyde, etc.

Common benefits of drinking Danshen tea:

1.Regulate Menstruation and Relieve PainDanshen has the effect of removing blood stasis, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), conditions such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and irregular menstruation are all caused by blood stasis. Therefore, for women experiencing these symptoms, drinking Danshen tea can provide some relief.2. Improve Kidney FunctionMoreover, Danshen can improve kidney function, significantly increasing renal blood flow. This can stimulate the secretion of potassium ions and help lower blood potassium levels while promoting kidney health.

3. Prevent ThrombosisDanshen has certain anticoagulant properties. When consumed, it effectively promotes fibrinolysis and inhibits platelet aggregation in the body.Thus, Danshen can effectively prevent platelet aggregation, thereby inhibiting the formation of thrombus.

4. Improve Liver Blood CirculationIf the blood circulation in the liver is not good, it can affect the regeneration of liver cells.Drinking Danshen tea can significantly improve liver blood circulation, effectively promoting the regeneration of liver cells.If there is liver damage, Danshen tea can also help in the repair process, providing excellent protective effects for the liver overall.

The “Golden Partners” of Danshen: Regular Consumption May Promote Blood Circulation and Dissolve Thrombus

1. Sanqi (Notoginseng)Grind Danshen and Sanqi into powder, then place these ingredients into a tea bag and steep in boiling water for 20 minutes before drinking. Adding an appropriate amount of sugar can enhance the flavor. The combination of Danshen and Sanqi has excellent effects in promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain.

2. Gouqi (Goji Berries)Both Danshen and Gouqi are prominent “food-medicine homology” ingredients. Regular consumption can help nourish the kidneys and liver. For symptoms such as vision impairment and bodily dysfunction caused by kidney and liver blood deficiency, their combined effects can provide relief.Both Danshen and Gouqi are warm in nature, and long-term use can effectively nourish the body, promote blood and qi balance, and alleviate aging effects.

3. ChrysanthemumCombining Danshen with Chrysanthemum for tea can promote blood circulation, clear the liver, and dispel heat.Chrysanthemum is a dispersing herb for wind-heat, effective in clearing heat, brightening the eyes, and calming liver yang. Together with Danshen, they both have heat-clearing effects.This combination can provide good auxiliary treatment for issues such as mouth sores, pharyngitis, and acne.

4. HawthornDanshen has the effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and calming the heart, while Hawthorn aids digestion, lowers blood lipids, and reduces blood pressure.Therefore, combining Danshen and Hawthorn can improve blood circulation, delay aging, enhance gastrointestinal function, promote peristalsis, and boost immunity.

5. Red DatesDrinking Danshen and Red Dates tea can nourish and invigorate the blood, and it has preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases, as Danshen itself is very effective for cardiovascular conditions.Additionally, the combination can promote tissue regeneration and reduce oxygen consumption in the heart and lungs. Regular consumption can strengthen the body and enhance immunity.

6. Green TeaDanshen promotes blood circulation and regulates menstruation, helping to dilate blood vessels. Its active components can inhibit platelet aggregation, maintaining normal vascular function.The catechins and theaflavins in green tea can reduce blood viscosity and inhibit atherosclerosis. Regularly drinking Danshen green tea can provide auxiliary treatment for cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

7. Yimucao (Motherwort)Yimucao is bitter and pungent, slightly cold in nature, and has the effects of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, diuresis, and detoxification. Combining Danshen with Yimucao can promote blood circulation, soothe the liver, and regulate qi, also assisting in treating women’s menstrual irregularities.

Extension: The Many Benefits of Drinking Danshen Tea and 3 Precautions to Note

1:Pregnant Women Should Avoid ItPregnant women’s bodies are quite special, and their gastrointestinal functions can change due to hormonal influences.If they drink Danshen tea at this time, it may worsen gastrointestinal issues, increasing the burden on the intestines and leading to diarrhea or abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may even affect the fetus.

2:Dosage Must Not Be ExcessiveAlthough Danshen is effective in regulating cardiovascular diseases, it is important to pay attention to the dosage when brewing Danshen tea.Excessive amounts can seriously impact health. Generally, about 5 grams per tea serving is sufficient for therapeutic effects, so it is crucial to monitor the dosage.

3: People with Allergies Should Avoid ItMany people have allergic constitutions, and those with such conditions should not drink Danshen tea, as it may contain components that can trigger allergies.These individuals may experience allergic reactions after consuming Danshen tea, leading to skin rashes, itching, and other adverse symptoms.In severe cases, they may experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, which can pose serious health risks.