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| Salvia miltiorrhiza |
Botanical description
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Growth form: Perennial, erect herb reaching about 30–80 cm in height
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Roots: Thick, branched, and reddish-brown to deep red internally—this red root is the medicinally valued part
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Stems: Square, slightly hairy, typical of the mint family
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Leaves: Opposite, ovate to heart-shaped, dark green, serrated margins; underside often lighter
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Flowers: Small, tubular, blue to violet-purple, arranged in whorls on terminal spikes
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Flowering period: Late spring to summer
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Fruit: Small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae fruit)
Habitat & cultivation
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Grows best in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
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Prefers temperate climates with moderate sunlight
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Cultivated extensively in China, Kashmir, Korea, and Japan, and increasingly in other regions for herbal use
Traditional uses (brief)
Danshen has been traditionally used to support blood circulation, cardiovascular health, and to help with conditions related to blood stasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Supports heart health
Helps improve blood flow
Traditionally used for chest discomfort, angina, and heart weakness
Supports healthy blood vessels
Improves blood circulation
Promotes smooth circulation
Helps reduce blood stasis (a key TCM concept)
Antioxidant protection
Rich in compounds like salvianolic acids
Helps protect cells from oxidative stress
Anti-inflammatory effects
May help reduce inflammation linked to chronic conditions
Supports liver health
Traditionally used in liver stagnation
Studied for protective effects against liver fibrosis
Neuroprotective potential
Research suggests support for brain circulation
May help in memory and cognitive function support
Menstrual & women’s health support
Traditionally used for irregular menstruation and menstrual pain linked to poor circulation
Skin & anti-aging support
Antioxidant action supports skin health
Used in some formulations for acne and pigmentation related to blood stagnation
Important active compounds
Tanshinones – cardiovascular & anti-inflammatory support
Salvianolic acids (A & B) – strong antioxidants
