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Photo of Salvia Root

Salvia Root

丹参 · dān shēn

Breaks up blood to ease period pain, heat, and heart flutter

Properties

CoolingCooling botanicalBitter

What it does

Dan shen invigorates and cools the blood while calming the Heart, treating both gynecological stasis and emotional disturbance from heat in the blood. It addresses dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, fixed pain, and the palpitations and insomnia of blood heat. In Tonify the Heart (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan), it works alongside sour jujube seed and biota seed to settle the spirit.

Safety

  • Contraindicated during pregnancy. Strongly moves blood; not safe in pregnancy without supervision.
  • Do not combine with li lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma).
  • Use with caution with active or heavy bleeding: heavy periods, nosebleeds, or blood in urine or sputum.
  • Avoid when the pathogen is still at the qi level; may carry it deeper into the blood.
  • A small minority get dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, nausea, or a fast heartbeat.
  • Allergic skin and respiratory reactions have been reported.
  • Injectable dan shen has caused shock and one case of liver damage.
  • May significantly increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants.
  • May interact with digoxin; monitor cardiac medications closely.
  • May act synergistically with blood pressure medications; monitor closely if you take them.

How to take it

DrinkCapsule

Decoct 6–15g of dried salvia root in 4 cups water for 30–40 minutes. Often used in blood-moving gynecological formulas and heart-calming formulas.

Best used in a formula targeting blood stasis pain or stress-related palpitations

Follow the product label. Standalone dan shen capsules and tablets are widely available; follow label dosing.

Look for it in heart-support or menstrual wellness formula products

Where it comes from

Dan shen's name translates as 'cinnabar root,' for the deep purplish red of its bark. Recorded since the Divine Husbandman's Classic as a primary herb for gynecological disorders, it is now one of the most researched Chinese herbs. Its component tanshinones have been studied for cardiovascular effects, and Chinese hospitals use intravenous dan shen for cardiac conditions, though injectable forms carry risks the oral herb does not.