Dan shen
Salvia miltiorrhiza · Lamiaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Dan shen, or red sage, is one of the most important circulatory herbs in Traditional Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to invigorate the blood and improve circulation. Its deep red root is classified as bitter and slightly cold, entering the heart and liver channels to break up stagnant blood, ease chest and abdominal pain, and promote healthy flow throughout the body. It is widely used to support cardiovascular health, including the heart and coronary circulation, and to address menstrual problems related to blood stasis such as painful or irregular periods. Dan shen also calms the spirit, helping with restlessness, palpitations, and difficulty sleeping, and it supports liver health. Rich in tanshinones and salvianolic acids, it offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculation-enhancing effects. Dan shen is a key herb for heart, circulation, and the resolution of blood stagnation.
Medicinal Uses
Dan shen, known in the West as red sage, is among the most valued circulatory herbs in Traditional Chinese medicine. Its distinctive deep red root reflects its primary action: invigorating the blood and resolving blood stasis. It is classified as bitter and slightly cold, entering the heart and liver channels.
The foremost medicinal use of dan shen is supporting cardiovascular and circulatory health. By promoting healthy blood flow and reducing stagnation, it is traditionally used for chest pain and heart-related complaints, and it is widely studied and used in China to support the heart and coronary circulation. Its compounds help improve microcirculation and protect the cardiovascular system.
Dan shen is also a key herb for gynecological conditions associated with blood stasis. It is used to relieve painful, irregular, or absent menstruation and to ease abdominal masses and pain understood in Chinese medicine as arising from stagnant blood.
In addition, dan shen calms the spirit. It is traditionally used to settle restlessness, palpitations, irritability, and insomnia, particularly when these are linked to heat or disturbance affecting the heart.
Dan shen also supports liver health and is used to help resolve stagnation and protect the liver. Rich in tanshinones and salvianolic acids, it provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that underpin its protective actions. Overall, dan shen is a central herb for the heart, healthy circulation, and the resolution of blood stagnation.
Benefits
Invigorates the blood, improves circulation, supports heart and coronary health, eases chest and abdominal pain, relieves painful and irregular menstruation, calms restlessness and palpitations, supports restful sleep, protects the liver, provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improves microcirculation
How to Use & Dosage
1/2 to 1 teaspoon (1-3 grams) of root powder, taken 1-2 times daily.
1000-3000 mg per day, divided into 1-2 doses.
2-4 ml (about 40-80 drops), taken 2-3 times daily.
Simmer 9-15 grams of dried dan shen root in water for 30-45 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Dan shen used for?
Dan shen, known in the West as red sage, is among the most valued circulatory herbs in Traditional Chinese medicine. Its distinctive deep red root reflects its primary action: invigorating the blood and resolving blood stasis. It is classified as bitter and slightly cold, entering the heart and liver channels.
What are the benefits of Dan shen?
Invigorates the blood, improves circulation, supports heart and coronary health, eases chest and abdominal pain, relieves painful and irregular menstruation, calms restlessness and palpitations, supports restful sleep, protects the liver, provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improves microcirculation
How do you take Dan shen?
Common preparations include powder, capsules, tincture, decoction. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
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