Danshen is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, which many people consume as a health tonic. It is said that Danshen can lower blood pressure, reduce blood lipids, and prevent and treat coronary heart disease. So, does Danshen lower blood sugar?
Does Danshen Lower Blood Sugar?
It has a certain hypoglycemic effect.
High blood sugar is a condition where the blood sugar level rises due to the dysfunction of the body's hormone regulation and neural regulation systems.
Danshen contains a component called cryptotanshinone, which can affect the body's metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels in both directions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. Danshen also has anti-platelet aggregation, improves microcirculation, and anti-fibrosis effects, which can help prevent or delay complications of diabetes, such as diabetic nephropathy and heart disease. Therefore, Danshen has a certain ability to lower blood sugar.
Is Danshen Effective in Lowering Blood Sugar?
The effect of using Danshen alone is limited.
Although Danshen has a certain hypoglycemic effect, it does not have a significant therapeutic effect. The use of single herbs has limited effectiveness. It is generally recommended to consult a doctor for the treatment of high blood sugar and follow their guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
How to Consume Danshen for Blood Sugar Reduction?
Danshen and Hawthorn Porridge
Ingredients: 20g Danshen, 20g Hawthorn, 100g rice.
Method:
1. Wash Danshen, Hawthorn, and rice.
2. Put Danshen and Hawthorn in a pot, decoct, remove the residue, and collect the juice.
3. Put the rice in a pot, pour in the medicinal juice, and cook the porridge.
4. Cook for about 30 minutes until the porridge is done.
Danshen Powdered Drink
1. Grind Danshen into fine powder.
2. Take 5-6g of Danshen powder and put it in a cup.
3. Add an appropriate amount of warm water, stir well, and consume.
4. It can also be put directly into the mouth and washed down with warm water.
5. Take 1-2 times a day.
Precautions for Consuming Danshen for Blood Sugar Reduction
1. Avoid Blind Consumption
Although Danshen has a certain hypoglycemic effect, it does not completely cure high blood sugar. Even if Danshen is taken, it is still necessary to continue taking regular hypoglycemic medications to avoid uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious consequences. If there are significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels during the use of Danshen, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
2. Do Not Overdose
The recommended dosage of Danshen is generally 10-15g. It is not recommended to overdose blindly. Excessive use of Danshen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding due to its strong blood-activating effect.
3. Potassium Supplementation for Long-term Use
If Danshen is used for a long time, it is important to eat foods high in potassium, such as potatoes, soybeans, peanuts, etc., to supplement the decreased blood potassium levels caused by long-term use of Danshen.
4. Do Not Combine with Ligusticum Wallichii
According to the "Eighteen Incompatibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine," Danshen is incompatible with Ligusticum wallichii. Taking them together may cause toxic side effects, so it is not advisable to take Ligusticum wallichii while drinking Danshen and Lingzhi mushroom infused water.
5. Avoid Concurrent Use with Anticoagulant Medications
Such as aspirin, warfarin, etc. Danshen also has anti-platelet aggregation effects. Concurrent use with other anticoagulant medications can enhance the anticoagulant effect, which may lead to bleeding.
6. Avoid Use by Pregnant Women
Danshen has a strong blood-activating and blood-stasis-resolving effect. It can stimulate uterine blood vessels, leading to uterine contractions. Pregnant women taking Danshen may cause miscarriage.
What Should High Blood Sugar Patients Pay Attention to in Daily Life?
1. Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
Since blood sugar levels vary at different times, it is recommended for high blood sugar patients to regularly measure their blood sugar levels before and after meals. This helps monitor blood sugar levels and prevent unaware high blood sugar, which can lead to complications of diabetes.
2. Control Diet
High blood sugar patients need to strictly control their daily intake of sugar and fat. Foods such as rice, pork, watermelon, and pears, which are high in sugar and fat, should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake of these foods can directly increase blood sugar levels.
3. Exercise Properly
In addition to dietary control, it is also important for high blood sugar patients to engage in regular exercise to promote the transformation of the spleen and improve blood sugar levels. Suitable exercises include running, Tai Chi, and walking.
