Dān Shēn · Red Sage Root
Dān Shēn (丹参, Red Sage Root) is a herb of Cool nature and Bitter flavor, in the “Blood Moving” category. Tradition uses it to invigorate Blood, Clear Heart Heat, Relieve Pain.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Dān Shēn
- Characters
- 丹参
- Botanical name
- Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Bitter
- Meridians
- Heart, Liver
- Category
- Blood Moving
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China, Japan
Actions according to tradition
- Invigorate Blood
- Clear Heart Heat
- Relieve Pain
- Promote Menstrual Flow
Traditional uses
- Chest pain (blood stasis)
- Irregular menstruation
- Amenorrhea
- Insomnia with restlessness
- Trauma and bruises
Studied effects and current applications
- Cardiovascular protection
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves microcirculation
- Calms mind
- Analgesic
Applications under investigation
- Angina pectoris
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Menstrual disorders
- Chronic pain syndromes
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Active bleeding
- Pregnancy
Relative contraindications
- Bleeding disorders
- Anticoagulant use
- Surgery (discontinue 1-2 weeks prior)
- Pregnancy
- Promotes blood flow, may stimulate uterus.
- Breastfeeding
- Use with caution, may affect blood.
- Children
- Generally avoided in children.
- Older adults
- Beneficial for cardiovascular health, monitor blood thinners.
Possible adverse effects
- Bleeding
- Stomach upset
- Allergic reactions
When to stop
- Signs of bleeding
- Before surgery
- If on anticoagulants without monitoring
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet | Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel | Severe | Increases bleeding risk Avoid or monitor INR closely |
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, Naproxen | Moderate | May increase bleeding risk Use with caution |
With other herbs
- blood_moving_herbs Additive blood-moving effect
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-12 grams daily
- Powder
- 1-3 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 4-8 weeks
- Maximum
- Use with breaks, monitor if long-term
- Children
- Generally avoided in children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-12g for 20-30 min.
Cardiovascular support
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Tanshinones (diterpenoids) and salvianolic acids (phenolics)
Abietanoid diterpene (quinone diterpenoid) · Cardioprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory
NF-κB inhibition, Ca2+ channel blockade, apoptosis induction (caspase-3), STAT3 inhibition · 0.2-0.5% in dry root
Quinone diterpenoids · Antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory
Topoisomerase II inhibition, apoptosis induction, antibacterial activity · 0.1-0.3%
Polymerized phenolic acid · Powerful cardioprotector, hepatoprotective, antiplatelet agent
ACE inhibition, free radical scavenging, ischemia-reperfusion protection · 2-5% in standard extract; the most abundant
Phenolic acid · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral
Radical scavenging, COX-2 and LTB4 inhibition · 0.5-2%
Phenolic acid · Coronary vasodilator, antiaggregant
Inhibition of platelet aggregation (TXA2), increase in cAMP · 0.1-0.5%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November)
Roots harvested in spring before sprouting or in autumn after drying of the aerial parts. Sichuan province (丹参川产) produces the highest quality. The roots are dried in hanging bunches.
Root cleaned, sliced and dried. Contains tanshinones and salvianolic acid in maximum concentration.
Slices sprinkled with yellow wine (10 ml per 100 g) and fried over medium heat until the wine is absorbed and the surface is lightly toasted. Wine enhances blood activation and reduces coldness.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
