The species name is sometimes erroneously spelled Salvia multiorrhiza.

Common Name: Dan Shen

General Information

Salvia miltiorrhiza is an erect, perennial plant producing a cluster of much-branched stems from a thickened, succulent taproot; the plant can grow 40 - 80cm tall[].
Dan shen is a very popular medicinal plant in the Orient and is finding increased usage in the West. It is commonly harvested from the wild for medicinal purposes and is now being cultivated in order to meet the demand[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - eastern China (Anhui, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Zhejiang), Japan

Habitat

Hillsides, streamsides, forests; at elevations from 100 - 1,300 metres[]. Light woodland and clearings[]. Sunny sides of hills and stream edges[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Dan Shen has long been used in Chinese medicine for the treatment and prevention of vascular diseases, as well as being commonly used for treating trauma wounds and fractures and for correcting blood stasis. Research has confirmed the validity of its use in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems[, ].
The plant is said to be praised for its alleged medicinal qualities, including a cure for cancer[].

The root is adaptogen, alterative, anticholesterolemic, antioxidant, 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 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[].
The roots are harvested in the autumn and early winter and are dried for later use[].

The plant has many medicinally active compounds, Salvianolate and Salvianolic acid B have been shown to have a beneficial ation in the treatment of osteoporosis[]
The plant has been shown to have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, E. coli, Vibrio Proteus, Bacillus typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus etc[].

Other Uses

An extract of the flowers, leaves and roots is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring 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[].