Dan Shen (Salvia Root) is a slightly cold, bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) renowned for invigorating blood, dispelling stasis, and calming the mind. It is derived from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza and is one of the most important herbs for cardiovascular health in TCM. Dan Shen is widely used for chest pain, menstrual disorders, and skin problems caused by poor blood circulation. It also nourishes and cools the blood, making it useful in conditions where stasis is combined with heat, and supports emotional balance by calming irritability and restlessness.
Fonctions et avantages
Revigore le sang et élimine la stase
Improves circulation, relieves pain, and reduces the risk of clot formation.
Clears Heat from the Blood
Cools the blood in cases of stasis combined with heat, improving skin and vascular health.
Regulates Menstruation and Relieves Pain
Used for irregular cycles, amenorrhea, and menstrual cramps caused by blood stasis.
Calms the Mind and Eases Restlessness
Benefits individuals with insomnia, anxiety, and mood changes linked to poor circulation.
Supports Heart and Vascular Health
Traditionally applied for chest pain and cardiovascular weakness.
Indications (qui peut en bénéficier ?)
✔ Individuals with chest tightness or pain from poor circulation.
✔ Women with irregular or painful periods due to blood stasis.
✔ Those with restlessness, insomnia, or irritability from heat-stasis patterns.
✔ People recovering from stroke or other circulation-related issues.
Diagnostic de la langue et du pouls en MTC
Tongue: Dark red or purple with spots, sometimes with a thin yellow coating.
Pulse: Choppy, wiry, or irregular, reflecting blood stasis and heat.
Modèles apparentés de la MTC
Blood Stasis with Heat – Causes restlessness, menstrual issues, and skin eruptions.
Heart and Liver Blood Stasis – Leads to chest pain, palpitations, and mood changes.
Post-Stroke Stasis – Contributes to weakness and movement difficulties.
Applications cliniques (pour référence uniquement)
Cardiovascular Conditions – Improves circulation and relieves chest discomfort.
Menstrual Disorders – Regulates cycle and reduces cramping.
Post-Stroke Support – Enhances recovery and improves mobility.
Skin Disorders from Heat-Stasis – Reduces inflammation and discoloration.
Common Herbal Formulas with Dan Shen
Often combined with Hong Hua and Tao Ren for blood stasis, or with Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren for calming the spirit.
Précautions et contre-indications
Avoid during pregnancy unless prescribed by a professional.
Not suitable for heavy menstrual bleeding without stasis.
Use with caution in individuals taking blood-thinning medications.
Recommandations en matière de mode de vie et d'alimentation
✔ Eat circulation-enhancing foods like black beans, turmeric, and pomegranate.
✔ Avoid cold and greasy foods that slow blood flow.
✔ Engage in gentle exercise such as walking or Tai Chi to promote circulation.
✔ Practice stress reduction to support heart health.
Conclusion
Dan Shen (Salvia Root) is a slightly cold, bitter herb in TCM that invigorates blood, clears heat, calms the mind, and supports cardiovascular health. It is especially suited for stasis-related pain, menstrual disorders, emotional restlessness, and circulation issues.
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