Red Sage (Dan Shen) Root Profile

Also known as

Salvia miltiorrhiza, red-rooted sage, salvia root, dan shen.

Introduction

Red Sage is an herbaceous perennial native to China. The "red" part of its name comes from the red color of the roots; the flowers themselves are large, fragrant clusters of purple or violet. Red Sage has been used for increasing circulation of the blood and for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used for treating acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases.

Constituents

Tanshinones I, IIA, IIB, V and VI, isotanshinones I and II, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, hydroxytanshinone IIA and methyltanshinonate, tanshinol I and tanshinol II, tanshindiols A, B and C, nortanshinone and 3-?-hydroxytanshinone IIA, miltirone, Ro-090680, salvinone, salvianolic acids A and B, rosmarinic acid, danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, protocatechuic acid, oleanolic acid, feruginol, dehydromiltirone, ?-sitosterol, and vitamin E.

Parts Used

Dried root

Typical Preparations

Typically used as either a tea or a liquid extract.

Summary

Red Sage has been employed in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Also known as dan shen, it has traditionally been used to help with blood circulation, irregular menstrual periods, mentstrual pain, amenorrhea, metrorhagia, leukorrhagia, abdominal masses, abdominal pain, and insomnia due to palpitations and tight chest, as well as other ailments.

Precautions

Use of tincture made from Red Sage may cause severe itching, stomachache, or reduced appetite. Consult your physician before using Red Sage if you are taking warfarin, as red sage may enhance the effects.

Warnings