Salvia Multiorrhiza

December 1st, 2007

Family: Labiatae
Botanical Name: Genus
Common name: Dan Shen
Known Hazards: None known
Range : E. Asia - N.E. China.
Habitat: Light woodland and clearings, Sunny sides of hills and stream edges.

Parts Used: Seed.

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Description: It is a shade-growing perennial flowering plant in the genus Salvia, highly valued for its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The roots are used in TCM to thin and promote blood flow. It is also used to treat myocardial infarction and stroke.

Medicinal Uses
Adaptogen; Alterative; Anticholesterolemic; Antirheumatic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Cancer; Emmenagogue; Hepatic; Sedative; Tonic; Vulnerary.

Dan Shen has long been used in Chinese medicine and recent research has confirmed the validity of its use in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems. The root is adaptogen, alterative, anticholesterolemic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, emmenagogue, hepatic, sedative, tonic and vulnerary. 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. It 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. ‘Praised for its alleged medicinal qualities, including a cure for cancer’. The roots are harvested in the autumn and early winter and are dried for later use.

Other Uses:None known

Cultivation details
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.

FOR MORE KNOWLEDGE:

Click for Salvia and the History of Microcirculation Research in China

and click on Medicine Plus Herbs

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Salvia+multiorrhiza
http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Salvia+multiorrhiza

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_miltiorrhiza