Benefits of Dan Shen

For thousands of years traditional Chinese medicine has proven the herb dan shen to be beneficial for the human body. Traditional remedies of dan shen tonics were used to promote overall health as well as bleeding disorders. Now, this small and beautiful plant has been proven to not only promote health, but also treat many conditions as well. Continue reading this article to learn more about what dan shen is and how it is being used today.

What is Dan Shen

The mint plant called dan shen is a hardy perennial that is found throughout parts of China, particularly in the regions of Mongolia and Manchuria. Dan shen typically grows to a height of about 32 inches and is distinguished by its oval leaves and spikes of purple blossoms.  Most herbal remedies are prepared from the root of dan shen, which is purplish-black in color, course on the interior, and spotted with many tiny white dots within the tissues.  The dan shen root is usually harvested between the late fall and early spring and is a common name with cinnabar root, red root sage and tan shen.

What are the Benefits of Dan Shen

Dan shen has proven to have a positive influence on several of the systems within the human body. One of its most common uses is for the cardiac system.  Dan shen tones and strengthens the heart while it assists the cardiac muscles in sustaining a regular rhythm. Another way dan shen benefits the cardiovascular system is the relaxing effect it has on the smooth muscles that support the coronary arteries. A chemical compound called tanshinone IIA1 that is found in this herb actually slows down the rate at which the heart muscles transmit the nerve impulses. As a result of the slower transmission, the pulse rate reduces and a higher percentage of cardiac blood is available. In other words, the influence of dan shen creates better circulatory output and enhanced blood flow because of the improvement in the cardiac muscle performance.

The use of dan shen has also been shown to benefit the overall functioning of the organs in the body. For example, the liver has increase hepatic functioning as well as an improved level of bile secretion.  Some studies even suggest the dan shen can be part of an effective treatment for long term liver damage and disorders such as hepatitis. Another way this herb enhances the health is its effect on the thyroid gland. Dan shen stimulates the gland to enhance its secretion and overall influence on the body.

Individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome may also want to consider incorporating this herb into their treatment. Dan shen reduces blood clot formation which promotes blood flow and increases the amount of oxygen being delivered to your brain. As a result, your body builds more resistance to the symptoms of fatigue.

Dan shen has also been proven to assist in the treatment of fibroids as well as other menstrual problems that occur in women. When used short term as an herbal remedy, dan shen is effective in treating uterine fibroids and skipped menstrual cycles.