Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Description

About Danshen

Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen, is a perennial plant in the genus Salvia. Native to Japan and China whose roots are highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Danshen has long been used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems. The name Miltiorrhiza literally means “red ochre root”.

Planting Instructions

Please note that it is normal for some plants to experience stress through shipping and may have crimped, yellowed, or dropped leaves. It is important to remove the plants from their shipping boxes as soon as you receive them. Next, ensure the soil is sufficiently hydrated, water as needed, and place outside in indirect light for a day or two until the plants begin to revive.

Once your Danshen plants have adapted to their new home, transplant them (entire root mass) into larger pots for balcony growing or directly into your garden beds. Danshen prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils that are well drained and dry to moist. It grows vigorously in full sun and does not like shade. In most northern hemisphere climates

Danshen flowers from June to September, however, in more temperate Mediterranean regions this may vary. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, making it the ideal species to help our bee friends thrive in our gardens. The roots are harvested in the autumn and early winter and are dried for later use.

Medicinal Uses

Danshen has long been used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems. The distinctly red-colored root is an adaptogen, alterative, anticholesteremic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, emmenagogue, hepatic, sedative, tonic and vulnerary (a remedy used in healing or treating wounds). It acts mainly on the heart energy, removing excess heat and clearing stagnation. Its use improves the micro-circulation, increases blood flow to the coronary artery, improves myocardial contraction and adjusts the heart rate.

Danshen also has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, E. coli, Vibrio Proteus, Bacillus typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus etc. It is used internally in the treatment of coronary heart disease, poor circulation, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, breast abscesses, mastitis, ulcers, boils, sores, bruises, menstrual problems and post-natal pains.  The roots are harvested in the autumn and early winter and are dried for later use.