I've been feeling a little "火气" (internal heat) these days, and I've been taking Danshen powder. I'm wondering if the "火气" is caused by the Danshen powder?
Does Danshen powder cause internal heat?
No, it does not.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that an imbalance of yin and yang in the body, with yang overpowering yin, can lead to symptoms of internal heat. Common symptoms of internal heat include angular cheilitis, swollen and painful gums, sore throat, and dark yellow urine.
Danshen powder has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation, and clearing the heart and removing vexation. Its main function is to promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis. Its slightly cold nature does not cause internal heat in the body, so taking Danshen powder does not cause internal heat.
Can you take Danshen powder when experiencing internal heat?
Yes, you can.
Danshen powder has the effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, generating new blood, and regulating menstruation. It can be used to treat symptoms such as chest discomfort and pain, abdominal pain, hot and painful joints, restlessness and insomnia, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and swollen and painful sores. It is not significantly related to internal heat. If someone with internal heat has the above symptoms, they can also take Danshen powder in moderate amounts.
Precautions when taking Danshen powder for internal heat
1. Do not take too much
Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and it has certain dosage requirements. The usual dosage of Danshen is 10-15 grams, and excessive intake should be avoided. Excessive intake of Danshen, with its strong blood circulation-promoting effect, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Avoid long-term use
Due to Danshen's strong blood circulation and qi-regulating effects, long-term use may lead to decreased blood potassium levels in the body, causing symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the limbs, bloating, and nausea. It is recommended to pay attention to potassium supplementation during the period of taking Danshen, and to consume foods high in potassium, such as peanuts, oranges, and bananas.
3. Avoid simultaneous use with Ligu
During the period of taking Danshen, avoid simultaneous use with the Chinese medicinal herb Ligu. According to the "Eighteen Incompatibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine," it is mentioned that Danshen and Ligu have opposite medicinal properties. If taken together, they may produce toxic side effects that are harmful to the body.
4. Avoid simultaneous use with anticoagulant drugs
During the period of taking Danshen, avoid simultaneous use with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin. Danshen also has antiplatelet aggregation effects. Taking it together with anticoagulant drugs can enhance the therapeutic effect and may cause localized bleeding.
Contraindications for taking Danshen powder
1. People with bleeding disorders
Danshen powder has the effect of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, which can stimulate blood vessels to a certain extent. It is not suitable for people with gastrointestinal bleeding, as it may increase bleeding.
2. Pregnant women
Danshen powder has a strong blood circulation effect. Taking it during pregnancy may stimulate the uterus, causing uterine contractions, which can lead to fetal restlessness and even threatened miscarriage.
What to pay attention to when experiencing internal heat
1. Eat less spicy and stimulating foods
Spicy, fried, and greasy foods should be consumed less, as they can cause internal heat to worsen. During the period of internal heat, it is advisable to have a light diet.
2. Eat more foods that can relieve internal heat
Foods such as bitter melon, bean sprouts, winter melon, and mung beans have the effect of clearing heat and reducing internal heat. Consuming these foods during the period of internal heat can help alleviate the symptoms of internal heat.
3. Drink more water
Some cases of internal heat are caused by dry weather and lack of water in the body. During the period of internal heat, it is advisable to drink more water, as it can help alleviate the symptoms to some extent.
4. Control emotions
Anger and irritability are also causes of internal heat. If emotions are constantly fluctuating or if one is continuously angry, it can lead to an excessive amount of liver fire and cause internal heat. Therefore, during the period of internal heat, it is important to stabilize one's emotions and maintain a pleasant state of mind.
Note: If the symptoms of internal heat are severe and cannot be controlled, it is recommended to consult a doctor and take some heat-clearing and fire-reducing medications under the guidance of a doctor.
