I want to buy some Danshen powder as a gift, but I don't know how to choose. Some people say that Danshen powder is the color of soil, while others say it is red. I would like to ask what color Danshen powder is.
What color is Danshen powder?
It is coffee or brick red in color.
Danshen powder is a fine powder made from the dried roots and stems of the Danshen plant. It has a bitter taste and a slightly cold property. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. The color of Danshen powder is related to its raw materials. Because the color of Danshen roots and stems varies, the color of the powder will also vary. Generally, the most common Danshen powder is coffee or brick red in color.
What color of Danshen powder is good?
As long as it is genuine, there is no need to be too concerned about the color.
Due to the difference in the color of Danshen roots and stems, the color of the powder will also vary. The medicinal properties and effects of Danshen are the same, so as long as you make sure it is genuine when purchasing, you don't have to worry too much about the color.
How to take Danshen powder?
Dissolving Danshen powder
1. Take about 5 grams of Danshen powder and put it into a cup.
2. Add warm water and mix well, or you can add honey or rock sugar for flavor.
3. Then drink it directly.
4. You can also put the Danshen powder directly into your mouth and drink it with warm water.
5. Take it twice a day.
What should I pay attention to when taking Danshen powder?
1. Dosage
The recommended dosage of Danshen powder is generally 3-5 grams per dose. Although it does not have obvious toxic side effects, it should not be taken excessively. Taking a large amount of Danshen powder may cause gastrointestinal bleeding due to its strong blood circulation and blood stasis removing effects.
2. Potassium supplementation during long-term use
Because Danshen powder has a strong blood circulation and qi-regulating effect, long-term use may lead to a decrease in blood potassium levels. It is recommended to eat foods high in potassium, such as celery, peanuts, potatoes, oranges, and bananas, during the period of taking Danshen powder.
3. Do not take with anticoagulant drugs
Danshen powder has an antiplatelet aggregation effect. If taken with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or warfarin, it may enhance their therapeutic effects and may cause local bleeding in the body.
4. Do not take with Li Lu (Veratrum nigrum)
In the Chinese medicine theory of "Eighteen Incompatibilities", it is stated that Danshen and Li Lu have opposite medicinal properties. The simultaneous use of these two may cause toxic side effects and be harmful to the body. Therefore, when taking Danshen powder, avoid taking it with Li Lu.
How to choose Danshen?
Many people directly purchase Danshen and grind it into Danshen powder to ensure the quality of the medicinal materials. Here are some tips for selecting Danshen.
Appearance
Genuine Danshen roots and stems are short and thick, with a long cylindrical shape. The surface appears reddish-brown or dark reddish-brown, with longitudinal wrinkles. The cross-section has cracks or is slightly flat and dense, with yellowish-white radial patterns. Fake Danshen does not have these characteristics.
Taste
Genuine Danshen has a slight odor and a distinct bitter taste when placed in the mouth. The taste is not pleasant. Fake Danshen may have other flavors, such as sourness or a strong odor.
Soaking in water
Genuine Danshen, when soaked in water, does not cause any significant change in the water color. The Danshen may slightly expand and the color may lighten slightly. Fake Danshen, when soaked in water, may cause the water to turn light red and the Danshen's color to noticeably lighten.
