Efficacy and Effects of Drinking Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Danshen) Infusion

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) has a bitter taste and a cool nature, entering the Heart and Liver meridians. It cools the blood, invigorates blood circulation, resolves blood stasis, and unblocks the meridians. There is a traditional saying that “a single herb—Danshen—possesses effects equivalent to those of the Four-Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang),” meaning Danshen’s therapeutic actions parallel those of Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong). Clinically, Danshen demonstrates reliable efficacy in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as disorders caused by meridian obstruction. Representative preparations include Compound Danshen Tablets, Danshen Injection, and Danshen Dropping Pills—widely used for conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease, numbness in the limbs, dizziness, vertigo, and angina pectoris, with excellent therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, steeping Danshen in hot water for oral consumption also yields notable benefits.