Due to poor lifestyle and dietary habits, the number of people with high blood lipids is increasing. Some people claim that taking Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) can lower blood lipids. Is this true? Can Danshen really lower blood lipids?
Does Danshen Lower Blood Lipids?
Danshen has a certain effect in lowering blood lipids.
High blood lipids refer to a condition where the cholesterol or triglyceride levels in the blood are too high, or the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is too low.
Danshen is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, generating new blood, and regulating menstruation. Due to its strong blood circulation-promoting effect, it can help dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and reduce vascular resistance. The active ingredient, tanshinone, can improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity. The components danshensu and rosmarinic acid have certain anti-lipid peroxidation effects, so Danshen does have a certain effect in lowering blood lipids.
How to Use Danshen to Lower Blood Lipids
Danshen and Sanqi Tea
Ingredients: 10g Danshen, 3g Sanqi, appropriate amount of white sugar.
Instructions:
1. Grind Danshen and Sanqi into coarse powder and put them into a tea bag.
2. Put the tea bag into a teapot and pour in boiling water.
3. Cover the teapot and let it steep for about 20 minutes.
4. Add an appropriate amount of white sugar and stir well.
5. Take one dose daily and drink it instead of tea.
Danshen Wine
Ingredients: 30g Danshen, 500ml rice wine.
1. Wash Danshen thoroughly and soak it in water until soft.
2. Cut Danshen into thin slices and put them into a wine container.
3. Pour in rice wine, seal the container, and shake well.
4. Shake the bottle once a day.
5. It can be consumed after soaking for about 2 weeks.
6. Take 10ml each time, twice a day.
How Long Does it Take for Danshen to Lower Blood Lipids
The specific time for effectiveness varies from person to person.
Danshen only has an auxiliary effect in lowering blood lipids and cannot achieve a complete therapeutic effect. Each person's constitution and absorption of drugs are different, and the severity of high blood lipids also varies. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the specific time for effectiveness and it should be based on one's own physical condition and the degree of illness.
Precautions for Using Danshen to Lower Blood Lipids
1. Cannot replace lipid-lowering drugs
Although Danshen has a certain effect in lowering blood lipids, it cannot replace lipid-lowering drugs. During the period of using Danshen as an adjunct to lower blood lipids, lipid-lowering drugs should still be taken as usual. If there are any discomforts, seek medical attention promptly.
2. Do not use excessive dosage
The recommended dosage of Danshen is generally 10-15g, and excessive dosage should be avoided. Danshen has a strong blood circulation-promoting effect, and high doses may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Potassium supplementation for long-term use
Long-term use of Danshen may cause potassium loss and decrease blood potassium levels. Therefore, if Danshen is used for a long time, it is advisable to consume foods high in potassium, such as oranges, peanuts, and potatoes.
4. Avoid concurrent use with Lycium barbarum
During the use of Danshen to lower blood lipids, concurrent use of Lycium barbarum should be avoided. In the Chinese medicine theory of "Eighteen Antagonisms," it is noted that Danshen and Lycium barbarum have opposite properties. The simultaneous use may produce toxic side effects that are harmful to the human body.
5. Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulants
Danshen has an antiplatelet aggregation effect. Concurrent use with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin can enhance the therapeutic effect and may cause bleeding.
Contraindications for Using Danshen to Lower Blood Lipids
1. Pregnant women should not use it
Danshen belongs to a blood-circulating and blood-activating medicine, which has a certain stimulating effect on uterine blood vessels and can promote uterine contraction. Taking Danshen during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage.
2. Allergy sufferers should use with caution
Some individuals may be allergic to Danshen, resulting in reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, itching, rash, and even serious consequences such as chest tightness, palpitations, fainting, and shock. If it is uncertain whether one is allergic to Danshen, a small amount can be taken first and observed for about 1 hour. If there are no adverse reactions, Danshen can be continued.
Dietary Considerations for High Blood Lipid Patients
1. Low-fat and low-oil
Patients with high blood lipids should consume less fatty foods in their daily lives, such as fatty meat and animal organs. Oil intake should also be reduced because even vegetable oils contain a certain amount of saturated fatty acids, which may increase blood lipid levels.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of water and vitamin C. Vitamin C has the effect of lowering blood lipids, and dietary fiber in vegetables can prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and reduce blood viscosity.
3. Eat more soy products
Soybeans, tofu, and other soy products contain rich lecithin, which can lower cholesterol in the blood, improve blood viscosity, and prevent cholesterol deposition in blood vessels to a certain extent.
