Salvia Miltiorrhiza - The Story of the Red Sage

The roots of the Salvia Miltiorrhiza plant (also known as red sage) are highly valued by practioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The term miltiorrhiza translates to "red juice extracted from a root." Native to China and Japan, it grows at elevations generally between 300 to 3,900 ft, predominantly in grassy places such as those found in forests, on hillsides, and along stream banks.
 
The dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (commonly called Danshen) is used in Chinese medicine to treat vascular disease. According to TCM beliefs, it promotes blood flow and resolves blood stagnation. It has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China, Japan, the United States, and other European countries.
 
Danshen is also widely used in TCM in combinations with other herbs. Via the synergy of their chemical reactions, remedies containing it are typically used to treat a variety of ailments, particularly cardiac and vascular disorders such as the hardening of the arteries (from cholesterol) or blood clotting abnormalities.
 
The alleged ability of Salvia Miltiorrhiza to thin the blood and reduce blood clotting is well documented, as is the herb's ability to invigorate the blood and improve circulation. Recent studies have uncovered its potential beneficial role in the treatment of liver disease such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Because of its cardiovascular and antioxidant qualities, Salvia Miltiorrhiza improves blood flow and is even included in formulas such as Persistent Erection Relief Tincture to treat obscure disorders such as Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome (PGAS).