"Danshen - An Eastern Herbal Secret!"What is it used for? [Top] Danshen has been used for many years as part of traditional Chinese medicine where it is used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as Strokes, Angina and Myocardial Infarction. As it tends to dilate blood vessels, it is beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure. In some animal studies, Danshen has been shown to protect the inner linings of arterial walls from damage. Google News reports on a story from Science Daily that states individuals with a history of heart disease have a poor knowledge of the symptoms of a heart attack and think they are not at risk for having another one. [Top] It has also been used as a treatment for liver diseases such as Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Fibrosis although there is limited evidence supporting its use for these conditions. As non-functioning fibrous cells squeeze out normal liver cells, liver function declines over time. It is thought to increase blood flow to the liver; reducing the length of time potentially damaging substances stay in the liver thereby limiting any injury they may cause. Recent preliminary research suggests it is effective against Cancer. It interrupts the cell division process and also causes disintegration of the Cancer cells themselves. It has been shown to be useful against AIDS. It contains chemicals impeding the effectiveness of an enzyme, HIV-1 integrase, that the virus needs to replicate. According to Dr. Albert Leung, in his book Better Health with (mostly) Chinese Herbs and Foods, it is useful in treating skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Some animal studies indicate it might protect kidney cells from being damaged in Diabetics. In China, it is being studied as a possible treatment for Pancreatitis, painful inflammation of the pancreas. How does it work? [Top] Danshen decreases the blood's ability to clot in two ways. First, it limits the stickiness of components found in blood known as platelets. Second, it decreases the production of fibrin; a type of protein that traps blood cells to form clots. It also contains chemicals that increase the force of each heartbeat while simultaneously slowing the heart rate. What is the proper dosage? [Top] The recommended dosage of Danshen ranges from 9 to 15 grams daily. It is available alone, but is most commonly sold in combination with other herbs. Please talk to your physician before taking this herb. Are there any drug interactions or contraindications? [Top] As it functions as a blood thinner, it should not be taken concurrently with blood thinning medications such as Coumadin. It should not be taken with antiplatelet medicines such as Clopidogrel and Ticlid. Dioxin is a medicine used to increase the force of heartbeats. If taken with this herb, the heartbeat may become too forceful. It should not be taken with herbs that affect blood clotting such as Eleuthero, Ginkgo, Garlic, Papain, Devil's Claw, Saw Palmetto, and Panax Ginseng. Individuals with hemophilia should not take it as it contains chemicals that may interfere with blood clotting. Pregnant or breast-feeding women and children under 2 years of age should not take it. The only side effects associated with this herb are itching and minor stomach upset. This herb could be a useful supplement for those individuals experiencing any of the abovementioned conditions. Maybe the Chinese know something the rest of the world doesn't! More information on Hypertension [Top] For more information on hypertension... Hypertension Other Hypertension Remedies For more information on Magnesium... Magnesium For more information on Coenzyme Q10... Coenzyme Q10 For more information on Hawthorn... Hawthorn For more information on Garlic... Garlic For more information on Quercetin... Quercetin For more information on Vitamin C... Vitamin C Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link:
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