Chinese Herbs: Dan Shen (Salvia Root), Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae

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Drug Interactions Incompatible Herbs Toxic or Endangered Latin Name Notes

Herb 5 of 34 in Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation

Channels:

HT, PER, LIV

Properties:

Bitter, Slightly Cold

Latin:

Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae

Chinese:

丹参

Tone Marks:

dān shēn

Translation:

Cinnabar Root

Actions

Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
For gynecological disorders such as irregular menses, amenorrhea, and post-partum abdominal pain. It is also for chest, epigastric, and abdominal pain as well as traumatic injury. It disperses masses and accumulations.
Clears Heat and Soothes Irritability
For restlessness, irritability, palpitations, and insomnia due to heat in the nutritive (Ying) level. Can also be used for Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency patterns.
Cools Blood and Reduces Abscesses
Has a potent action to reduce swelling in toxic sores and breast abscesses. It cools the blood to treat symptoms of febrile disorders or the presence of heat in the ying or xue levels with symptoms of delirium, high fever, unconsciousness, irritability, insomnia, purpura or subcutaneous bleeding.
Nourishes the Blood and Calms the Spirit
Treats palpitations and insomnia due to heat in the ying and xue levels, heat in the heart and heart blood deficiency.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use during pregnancy.
Do not use in cases with hypermenorrhea, hemoptysis or hematuria.
Do not use for Yin Xu patients.
Do not use when a pathogen is in the Qi level
Do not use during post-partum bleeding
Do not use for early menses or obstructed menses due to lack of blood
Do not use for restless fetus due to lack of blood unable to nourish.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Dan Shen may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
Decreases warfarin clearance and increases its bioavailability.

Toxicity and Overdose

Allergic reactions affecting the skin and respiratory system have been reported. Possible side effects include: dry mouth, dizziness, general weakness, numb and swollen feeling in the hands, shortness of breath, anxiety, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms gradually disappear, usually without terminating treatment.

Dosage

6-15 grams in decoction (Bensky)
5-10 Grams in decoction, maximum 30 Grams (Chen)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Decoction)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
Ding Xian Wan (Arrest Seizures Pill)
Formulas that Transform Phlegm and Extinguish Wind
Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (Fantastically Effective Pill to Invigorate the Collaterals)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood in the Treatment of Traumatic Injury
Qing Ying Tang (Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Nutritive Level and Cool the Blood
Sheng Tie Luo Yin (Iron Filings Decoction)
Formulas that Sedate and Calm the Spirit
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
Formulas that Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit

This herb is incompatible with:

Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri)

Herbs References

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition - Dan Bensky
Herb-drug interactions - Fugh-Berman A.
Handbook of Chinese Herbs - Him Che. Yeung
Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Third Edition - Max Wichtl

Formulas References

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies - Dan Bensky
Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas - Him Che. Yeung
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.