Danshen
【Alias】Zi Danshen, Zi Shen, Zi Dan Gen, Chi Danshen, Hong Danshen, Hong Shen, Xue Shen, Hong Luobo, Kaoshan Hong, Ye Suzi Gen.
【Properties and Channels】 Bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature, enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
【Modern Research】 Danshen primarily contains Danshenol, Danshensu, protocatechuic acid, and protocatechualdehyde. Pharmacological studies indicate that Danshen has cardiotonic, vasodilatory, anti-thrombotic, microcirculation improvement, tissue repair and regeneration promotion, antibacterial, and liver-protective effects.
【Selection and Storage】 When selecting Danshen, choose thick, purplish-red roots. Store in a moisture-proof and insect-proof environment.
【Effects and Characteristics】
Danshen has strong blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties, making it effective for various blood stasis pain syndromes. It is commonly used in modern treatments for coronary heart disease, and many traditional Chinese patent medicines for angina pectoris and myocardial infarction contain Danshen. Danshen is often combined with Bing Pian (Borneol), Jiang Xiang (Sandalwood), Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizome), and Hong Hua (Safflower) for treating coronary heart disease angina, but it can also be used alone.
The standard dosage for Danshen is 10-15 grams, typically prepared by decoction; caution is advised for patients with Yang deficiency due to its slightly cold nature.
【Proven Formulas】
Danshen Decoction: 30 grams of Danshen, 6 grams each of Tanxiang (Sandalwood) and Sharen (Cardamom). Decoction in water for oral administration. This formula promotes blood circulation, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain, treating heart and stomach pain caused by Qi and blood stagnation, with symptoms such as stabbing pain in the heart and abdomen, and abdominal fullness and distension.
【Common Patent Medicines】
Danshen Tablets: Activates blood and resolves phlegm, regulates Qi and alleviates pain, used for coronary heart disease caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, with symptoms of chest tightness and angina.
Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (Granules, Tablets): Activates blood and resolves stasis, regulates Qi and alleviates pain, used for chest obstruction due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis, with symptoms of chest tightness and stabbing pain in the precordial area; indicated for angina pectoris in coronary heart disease with the aforementioned symptoms.
Danshen Ketone Capsules: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, used for osteomyelitis, acne, tonsillitis, external ear canal inflammation, boils, carbuncles, traumatic infections, burn infections, mastitis, and cellulitis.
【Classic Medicinal Recipes】
Danshen Tea: 6 grams of Danshen, sliced, steeped in boiling water as a tea substitute, consumed until the flavor is mild; regularly taken for treating coronary heart disease, anxiety, and insomnia.
Hawthorn Danshen Tea: 10 grams of Hawthorn, 6 grams of Danshen, 20 grams of sugar; remove the seeds from the Hawthorn, place it with Danshen in a pot, add 200 milliliters of water, boil on high heat, then simmer for 15 minutes, strain and add sugar to taste; this tea promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis, suitable for patients with coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.