Danshen is a type of traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Many people know that Danshen has the function of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. But some people also claim that Danshen can be used to replenish blood. Is this true?
Can Danshen replenish blood?
Danshen does have a certain effect in replenishing blood.
Danshen has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature. It has the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation, and generating new blood. It is often used to treat symptoms such as chest pain, abdominal pain, restlessness, insomnia, irregular menstruation, and painful sores. "Compendium of Materia Medica" states that it "can break up old blood and replenish new blood", so Danshen does have a certain effect in replenishing blood.
Is Danshen good for replenishing blood?
Danshen's effect in replenishing blood is average.
Danshen is best known for its function in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. In clinical practice, it is usually used as a blood-activating medicine to assist in the treatment of diseases caused by blood stasis, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. It can also be used in combination with other herbs that have a stronger blood-replenishing effect, such as Angelica sinensis and Sanqi, to achieve the effect of promoting blood circulation and replenishing blood.
How to consume Danshen for blood replenishment
Danshen and Sanqi Tea
Ingredients: 10g Danshen, 3g Sanqi, appropriate amount of white sugar.
Steps:
1. Grind Sanqi and Danshen into coarse powder and put them in a small cloth bag.
2. Put the cloth bag into a teapot.
3. Pour boiling water into the teapot.
4. Cover and let it steep for about 20 minutes.
5. Finally, add white sugar and stir well before drinking.
Danshen and Pig Liver Soup
Ingredients: 300g pig liver, 30g Danshen, 50g oilseed rape, appropriate amount of salt, monosodium glutamate, clear broth, pepper, starch, ginger shreds, scallion segments, coriander, sesame oil, cooking wine, soy sauce.
Steps:
1. Rinse the pig liver and cut it into slices. Marinate the liver with cooking wine, soy sauce, and starch.
2. Rinse the oilseed rape and blanch it in boiling water. Remove and drain.
3. Rinse the Danshen and the coriander, and cut them into sections.
4. Pour an appropriate amount of clear broth into a pot, add Danshen, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the pig liver, ginger shreds, and scallion segments to the pot, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Add the blanched oilseed rape.
7. Season with salt, monosodium glutamate, pepper, drizzle with sesame oil, and garnish with coriander.
What precautions should be taken when consuming Danshen for blood replenishment?
1. Do not take excessive amounts
The recommended dosage of Danshen is generally 10-15 grams. Excessive intake of Danshen may cause gastrointestinal bleeding because of its strong blood-activating effect. If Danshen is used to treat a certain condition, it is recommended to follow the guidance of a doctor and adjust the dosage according to individual circumstances, rather than taking it blindly.
2. Not recommended for long-term use
In general, long-term use of Danshen is not recommended because of its strong blood-activating and qi-regulating effects. Prolonged use can lead to a decrease in blood potassium levels, causing symptoms such as numbness, weakness, abdominal distension, and nausea.
If long-term use is necessary due to a medical condition, it is recommended to consume foods high in potassium, such as celery, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and bananas, while taking Danshen. Once the condition improves, Danshen should be discontinued.
3. Not recommended to be used with Li Lu (Veratrum)
According to the "Eighteen Antagonisms" in traditional Chinese medicine, Danshen and Veratrum have opposite properties. Therefore, Danshen and Veratrum should not be used together, as they may cause toxic side effects.
4. Not to be used with anticoagulants
Danshen has an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. When used in conjunction with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin, it can enhance the anticoagulant effect and lead to bleeding. Therefore, anticoagulant medications should not be taken while consuming Danshen.
5. Not recommended for pregnant women
Danshen is a blood-activating and blood-stasis-resolving medicine. It has a certain stimulating effect on uterine blood vessels and can cause uterine contractions. Pregnant women taking Danshen may experience threatened miscarriage.
What foods can help replenish blood?
1. Red Dates
Red dates have the functions of nourishing blood, calming the nerves, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the stomach. They contain various vitamins and amino acids, which can nourish qi and blood and strengthen muscles and bones.
2. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which can help increase hemoglobin and improve blood concentration and quality.
3. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, and iron is the basic element for the production of hemoglobin. For people with iron-deficiency anemia, spinach is a good choice.
4. Mulberries
Mulberries, also known as "blood-replenishing fruits", are rich in iron and other nutrients. Every 100 grams of dried mulberries contain 42.5 milligrams of iron, making them an excellent blood replenishing food.
5. Black Beans
In traditional Chinese medicine, black is associated with the kidneys. Black beans can help nourish the kidneys, nourish the marrow, and replenish blood. They can also enhance the functions of the spleen and stomach. People with kidney deficiency and blood deficiency can benefit from consuming black beans.
