Dan Shen TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "dan shen" which in english is 
"salvia root", is categorized within the "herbs that invigorate blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver and pericardium channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and cool taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Invigorate blood, break up blood stasis in lower abdomen - dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, palpable masses, lochioschesis, pain due to blood stasis, chest/epigastric pain, soreness in the ribs due to liver qi stagnation w/blood stasis.
- Clear heat, soothe irritability - restlessness, irritability, insomnia due to heat entering the ying level.
Dan Shen has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
Dan Shen may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps) and/or lockjaw
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, dan shen is generally included in the following 19 formulas:
An Shen Bu Xin Wan (Calm the Shen and Supplement the Heart Pills) - Insomnia and palpitations
Anxiety, possible difficulty wit…
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Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang Wan (Great Yang Restoration Pills) - Fatigue, weakness, with pale complexion due to chronic qi a…
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Da Bu Gan Wan (Major Liver Nutrition Pills) - Brittle nails, yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Abdominal…
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Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan (Red Sage Root Decoction for Promoting Blood Circulation) - Phlebitis, generally chronic.
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Die Da Wan (Trauma Healing Pill) -
Useful for many types of traumatic injuries, broken bones…
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Fu Fang Dan Shen Wan (Saliva Compound Pill) - For a range of stagnation issues in the stomach/epigastric/…
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Fu Fang Qing Dai Wan (Indigo Combo Pills) - Itching, rashes, general skin irritation especially of the …
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Fu Fang Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan (Margarite Acne Pills) - Cystic acne, pimples.
Skin irritation due to damp heat - e…
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Gan Bing Zhi Ben Wan (Liver Disease Recovery Pills) - Irritibility or easily prone to outburts or anger.
Liver d…
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Gu Zhi Shu Song Wan (Osteoporosis Tablets) - For bone disorders includeing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
…
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Huo Luo Xiao Ling Wan (Miraculously Effective Pill To Invigorate The Collaterals) - A range of pain related issues when they arise from qi and …
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Jiang Ya Wan (Repress The Blood Pressure Pills) - Hypertension particularly with ascendent yang and heat sign…
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Qi Xue Da Bu Wan (Nourish Qi & Blood Pills) - Fatigue, lethargy, sensation of feeling heavy or cold.
Low…
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Sheng Mai Yin Wan (Replenish Pulse Pills) - Dry mouth, dry skin, dark or scanty urine from yin and flui…
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Shen Jing Shuai Ruo Wan (Stress Reducing Pill) - For common variants of the modern western lifestyle - in Ch…
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Te Xiao Zao Ren An Mian Wan (Peaceful Sleep Tablets) - Insomnia, vivid dreaming, nightmares.
Acute emotional inst…
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Tian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart) - Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes,…
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Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken White Phoenix Pills) -
Coming Soon...
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Zhuang Yang Wan (Strengthen Kidney Yang And Preserve Power Pill) - Tonifies the kidney yang and astringe the jing (essence), p…
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As noted above, dan shen is within the herbs that invigorate blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "...
for blood stasis - pain, abscesses and ulcers, abdominal masses.
)".