Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese salvia root, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza or "Danshen," has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Its primary historical applications are for promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and supporting cardiovascular health. While it is not among the most common herbs specifically prescribed for insomnia in TCM (such as Suanzaoren or Hehuanpi), Danshen is sometimes included in sleep-supporting formulas, especially when insomnia is believed to be related to blood stasis, anxiety, or heart "heat." The rationale is that by improving circulation and calming the spirit ("Shen"), Danshen may contribute indirectly to better sleep.

In terms of scientific evidence, there are a few animal studies and limited clinical reports suggesting that extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza may have sedative or anxiolytic effects, possibly related to its influence on neurotransmitter systems and cerebral blood flow. However, robust clinical trials specifically evaluating Danshen for insomnia are lacking, and its use for this purpose is not widely validated in modern research. Thus, the evidence supporting Danshen for insomnia is primarily rooted in traditional practice with only minor scientific support.

In summary, Chinese salvia root's use for insomnia is justified more by traditional concepts in TCM rather than strong scientific validation, and its evidence score for this indication is modest (2/5).

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