Recently, when I went to the hospital for a physical examination, the doctor told me that I have uterine fibroids and I am very worried. A friend of mine told me that Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) can treat uterine fibroids. I don't know much about Salvia miltiorrhiza myself, so I would like to ask if it really can treat uterine fibroids?
Can Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) treat uterine fibroids?
Single herbs cannot provide treatment effects.
Uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor in the female reproductive organs, also known as uterine fibromas or fibromyomas. They are mainly caused by the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the uterus. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the treatment of uterine fibroids should focus on promoting Qi circulation, activating blood circulation, and resolving stasis and symptoms.
Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, relieving pain, etc. It can be used to treat symptoms such as chest pain, abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea. However, using Salvia miltiorrhiza alone does not have a significant therapeutic effect on uterine fibroids.
Can patients with uterine fibroids take Salvia miltiorrhiza?
Yes, they can.
Salvia miltiorrhiza has strong effects in promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. It can help unblock the blood vessels and meridians in the body, maintain blood circulation, and to a certain extent, help alleviate abdominal pain and other discomfort caused by uterine fibroids. Therefore, patients with uterine fibroids can also take Salvia miltiorrhiza appropriately.
What should patients with uterine fibroids pay attention to when taking Salvia miltiorrhiza?
1. Do not take excessive dosage
Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and has certain dosage specifications. The usual dosage of Salvia miltiorrhiza is 10-15 grams and should not be taken in excessive amounts. Excessive use of Salvia miltiorrhiza, due to its strong blood circulation effects, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Avoid long-term use
Because Salvia miltiorrhiza has strong effects in promoting blood circulation and regulating Qi, long-term use may cause a decrease in blood potassium levels in the body, leading to symptoms such as numbness, weakness, bloating, and nausea. It is recommended to pay attention to potassium supplementation during the use of Salvia miltiorrhiza, and consume foods high in potassium, such as peanuts, oranges, and bananas.
3. Avoid concurrent use with Artemisia capillaris
During the use of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is important to avoid concurrent use with the Chinese herb Artemisia capillaris. According to the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "Eighteen Incompatibilities", it is believed that Salvia miltiorrhiza and Artemisia capillaris have opposite medicinal properties. If taken together, they may produce toxic side effects, which are not beneficial to the human body.
4. Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulant medications
During the use of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is important to avoid concurrent use with anticoagulant medications such as aspirin and warfarin. Salvia miltiorrhiza also has anti-platelet aggregation effects, and concurrent use with anticoagulant medications may enhance the therapeutic effects, leading to local bleeding.
How can Salvia miltiorrhiza be consumed?
Salvia miltiorrhiza honey tea
Ingredients: 30 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 20 grams of honey.
Instructions:
1. Rinse the Salvia miltiorrhiza and cut it into slices, then put it in a pot.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
4. Take the herbal liquid and let it cool slightly.
5. Add honey and mix well.
6. Take 1-2 times daily.
Salvia miltiorrhiza, peach kernel, and black chicken soup
Ingredients: 15 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 10 red dates, 10 grams of safflower, 5 grams of peach kernel, 1 black chicken leg, 2 teaspoons of salt.
Instructions:
1. Place safflower and peach kernel in a cotton cloth bag and tie it tightly.
2. Rinse the red dates and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
3. Blanch the black chicken leg in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove and rinse off any impurities.
4. Put all the ingredients into a stewing pot and add 6 bowls of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 40 minutes, until the black chicken meat is tender.
6. Finally, add salt to taste.
Precautions for uterine fibroids
1. Adjust diet
Patients with uterine fibroids can consume foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and fruits. These foods can help enhance the body's immune function and alleviate symptoms to some extent.
2. Regular check-ups
Patients with uterine fibroids should undergo regular check-ups at the hospital every 3-6 months to observe whether the fibroids are growing. If there is significant growth, medication intervention or surgical treatment may be required.
3. Avoid induced abortion
Repeated induced abortions may lead to the formation of uterine fibroids or worsen the symptoms of existing fibroids. Therefore, it is recommended to actively take contraceptive measures and avoid induced abortions as much as possible.
