Herb of the Week

Dan Shen – Scientific Name (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Parts Used: Leaf

Main Actions:

Cardioprotective – protects the heart muscle against oxygen deficiency

Hypotensive – helps maintain healthy blood pressure

Hepatoprotective – protects hepatocytes (liver cells) against oxidative damage

Anticoagulant – reduces risk of formation of blood clots

Vulnerary – promotes wound healing (topically – when applied to the skin)

Warnings:

Do not take if pregnant or taking pharmaceutical anti-coagulants (blood thinners)