A small perennial that grows mostly in sunny areas, danshen is believed to have originated in the area of the Mediterranean Sea. It produces small, fuzzy, grayish leaves in the spring; blue, red, or purple flowers in summer; and brownish nut-like fruits in the fall. Because danshen belongs to the sage family of plants, its aromatic leaves are often dried and used to season meats and sauces. In some parts of the world, a tea is brewed from danshen leaves and twigs.
The medical use of danshen is concentrated in Asia, where it grows abundantly in the wild. It is also grown on farms in China and Japan. Its distinctive, bright red roots are dug up in the fall or early winter, and then dried in the sun for use in medicine.
Action:
1) Danshen Root is used in Chinese medicine to remove blood stasis, relieve pain and promote flow of blood
2) It also helps to reduce blood lipid and triglyceride in the liver.
3) Danshen Root helps to ease the mind, in cases such as insomnia. Recent research has confirmed the validity of its use in the treatment of the heart and circulatory problems.
