Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Common Names: Red Sage, Dan Shen, Chinese Sage
  • Parts Used: Roots

Description

Red sage, or Danshen, is a perennial herb native to China and Japan, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its powerful cardiovascular, blood-purifying, and anti-inflammatory effects. The roots are characterized by their reddish-brown hue and contain numerous bioactive compounds.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in TCM to improve circulation, clear heat, and treat blood stagnation.
  • Traditionally applied for conditions such as chest pain, menstrual disorders, and insomnia.
  • Employed in treatments for cardiovascular issues and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Constituents

  • Tanshinones (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA)
  • Salvianolic acids
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenolic compounds
  • Essential oils

Actions

  • Cardioprotective
  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Blood tonic
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Antimicrobial

Medicinal Uses

1. Cardiovascular Health:
Red sage is renowned for its ability to improve circulation, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart disease. It helps reduce high blood pressure and angina.

2. Menstrual Disorders:
Danshen is used to treat irregular or painful menstruation caused by blood stagnation, often in combination with other herbs.

3. Anti-inflammatory Support:
Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce chronic inflammation associated with arthritis, muscle pain, and other inflammatory disorders.

4. Liver Protection:
Red sage is known for its hepatoprotective effects, supporting liver detoxification and protecting liver cells from damage.

5. Skin Health and Wound Healing:
Topically applied, it promotes healing of wounds, burns, and skin irritations while reducing inflammation.

6. Antimicrobial Effects:
Red sage has been shown to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, particularly in infections affecting the skin or respiratory system.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction:

  • 1-2 tsp of dried root per cup of water. Simmer for 20-30 minutes and drink 1-2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of Red sage tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Capsules:

  • 300-600 mg of standardized extract, taken 1-2 times daily.

Topical Use:

  • Use as a poultice or in infused oils for skin conditions and wound healing.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use during pregnancy due to its blood-moving effects.
  • Bleeding Disorders: Use with caution as it may increase bleeding risk.
  • Medication Interactions: May interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Invigorates blood, disperses blood stasis, and clears heat from the heart and liver.
  • Ayurvedic: Cooling and balancing, it helps reduce excess pitta and vata.

Combinations

  • For Cardiovascular Health: Combine with hawthorn and ginkgo biloba.
  • For Menstrual Support: Combine with dong quai and peony.
  • For Liver Support: Combine with milk thistle and dandelion.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Roots are harvested in autumn after the plant has matured.
  • Drying: Wash and dry roots in a warm, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage: Store dried roots or powders in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies have shown that Red sage can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving circulation and preventing blood clots. Research is ongoing into its potential use for liver protection, neuroprotection, and managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Red sage remains a cornerstone herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, valued for its ability to enhance cardiovascular health, promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation.