Chinese salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Synopsis of Chinese salvia root
Chinese salvia root refers to Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to China and Japan, and has been used for over 2,000 years as a cardiovascular and blood-moving herb. The red-colored root is the medicinal part and is best known for promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and protecting the heart and liver. It is a key herb in many TCM formulas, particularly those for heart disease, stroke recovery, menstrual disorders, and chronic inflammation.
Active compounds include:
- Tanshinones (lipophilic diterpenoids) – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective
- Salvianolic acids (water-soluble phenolic compounds) – improve microcirculation and protect endothelial function
- Rosmarinic acid – contributes to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
Health benefits and medicinal uses:
- Improves blood flow and circulation, especially in cases of blood stasis
- Protects the heart and vascular system, often used in angina, hypertension, and early-stage coronary artery disease
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, particularly in the liver and vascular tissue
- Supports menstrual health, especially in cases of painful or irregular periods due to stagnant blood
- Aids in stroke recovery and cognitive function by improving cerebral blood flow
- Helps protect against liver fibrosis and improve liver enzyme function
Chinese salvia root is commonly used in:
- Decoctions, pills, or tinctures, either alone or in combination with other blood-moving herbs (e.g., Dan Shen Yin, a classic formula)
- Modern extracts and capsules, often standardized to tanshinone or salvianolic acid content
- IV preparations in clinical settings in China, though this is not typical in Western herbal use
Historical Use:
Danshen has been recorded in Chinese medical texts since at least the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica). It is classified as bitter, slightly cold, and enters the heart, liver, and pericardium meridians. It is especially valued for “cooling the blood, dispelling stasis, and calming the mind.” It was traditionally used to treat chest pain, palpitations, insomnia, and menstrual irregularities.
Today, Chinese salvia root is one of the most researched herbs in TCM, with modern studies supporting its use in cardiovascular disease, stroke prevention, liver protection, and inflammatory disorders. It remains a cornerstone herb in circulatory and heart-focused herbal formulas, with both traditional and clinical applications.
Chinese salvia root is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colitis (Scientific)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Chinese salvia root is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Capillaries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)
Products containing Chinese salvia root
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
