Which Three Types of People Must Absolutely Avoid Taking Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Danshen)?
Generally speaking, there is no established saying that "which three types of people must never take Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen)." However, the following groups are advised against taking Danshen: individuals allergic to Danshen, those with a tendency to bleed, pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals currently taking anticoagulant medications. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Individuals allergic to Danshen: When these individuals come into contact with or consume Danshen, their immune system mistakenly identifies components in Danshen, triggering an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include skin itching, rashes, urticaria. In severe cases, symptoms such as throat swelling and difficulty breathing may occur, posing a threat to life; therefore, consumption of Danshen must be strictly avoided.
2. Individuals with a tendency to bleed: Danshen has blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects and may affect blood clotting function. For individuals suffering from hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or currently experiencing symptoms such as gum bleeding, skin bruising, or gastrointestinal bleeding, taking Danshen may exacerbate bleeding symptoms, leading to increased blood loss and prolonged bleeding time, which is detrimental to recovery.
3. Pregnant women: The blood-activating effect of Danshen may stimulate uterine contractions. Consumption by pregnant women can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, threatening fetal stability and maternal health; therefore, Danshen should be avoided throughout pregnancy.
4. Lactating women: Components of Danshen may be passed to infants through breast milk. Infants' organs are not yet fully developed and they have low tolerance to drug components, which may cause adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergies in infants, affecting infant health; therefore, lactating women are advised against taking Danshen.
5. Individuals currently taking anticoagulant medications: For individuals taking medications such as warfarin or aspirin, Danshen's blood-activating effect may synergize with these drugs, enhancing anticoagulant effects and potentially causing a significant increase in bleeding risk, such as subcutaneous bleeding, nosebleeds, or gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be life-threatening in severe cases.
The above-mentioned groups should clearly understand their contraindications to avoid physical discomfort caused by Danshen consumption. Other individuals who wish to take Danshen should do so under the guidance of a qualified physician, strictly controlling dosage and duration of use, avoiding self-medication to ensure medication safety.