Salvia
Salvia (Salvia miltiorrhizae) is not a tonic herb because it does not nourish any of the three treasures. However, it is a very important herb in the tonic health system because of its critical role as a circulation enhancer. Salvia (Red Sage Root) has the capacity to activate blood circulation and to dispel “blood stasis,” or blood congestion. Salvia is a cooling herb that can dispel heat. As a cooling herb, it can be used to treat problems where there is blood stagnation (areas where blood flow is sluggish) or blood stasis (areas where blood flow is entirely blocked or impeded) accompanied by heat, as is the case in heart disease (inflammation) and skin eruptions.
It is the perhaps the primary herb now used in Chinese herbalism used to prevent and treat heart disease, including angina pectoris. Salvia can be combined with Ligusticum and Notoginseng to improve circulation in the myocardium, or it can be used alone. It is now believed inChina to have preventive action.
Traditionally, Salvia (Dan Shen in Chinese) is usually used in combination with other herbs. However, in the past decade Salvia has come to be commonly used by itself in China. This is due to extensive research that has shown it to be both safe and an effective cardiovascular health product.
Salvia has long been one of the primary herbs used to treat hot skin conditions, including acne and boils. Such sores are considered to be “hot” (they are inflamed and red) and stagnant. Salvia is used to clear out toxins and cool the area down (relieve inflammation). Salvia can be used with Dang Gui, Pearl, White Peony, and Scute to help clear the skin.
Many women have found that Salvia is also extremely valuable for treating menstrual problems, including irregular, absent or painful menstruation. For this purpose it would be combined with some of the following formulations: Four Things Combination, Bupleurum and Peony Combination, and Bupleurum and Dang Gui Combination.
Traditional Function:
Cools Blood, vitalizes Blood, clears heat, improves Blood flow, benefits Heart
Who can use it?
Those who tend to run hot and have a Yang constitution. It is often excellent for those with a ruddy complexion.
Concentration: 8:1
Specifications: 100 Capsules 500 mg each
Precautions:
This is a very safe herb. However, it should not be used to treat any disease without the supervision of a doctor. Most doctors will allow you to take it, but some will not. This herb should not be used prior to surgery since it is theorized that it may cause excessive bleeding during an operation. Not for people who are easily chilled or who have cold feelings.
Ingredients: Chinese Salvia root extract
Other Ingredients: Vegetarian capsules (Pullulan caps 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservative or chemical modifications; gluten free.), rice powder.
Usage: Take 3 capsules, 2 times per day or as directed by a healthcare professional
Remember Ron Teeguarden’s “First Rule of Tonic Herbalism,” summed up in a single word –Compliance. If you don’t take the herbs, they won’t work.”