Danshen is the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, long used in traditional Chinese medicine and usually combined with other herbs such as notoginseng and borneol. Compound preparations are taken for chest discomfort and circulation.

What Danshen Compound Is Taken For

Traditional use for chest tightness and circulation
Supportive use alongside conventional heart treatment
General cardiovascular tonics

Common Side Effects

Stomach discomfort
Headache or dizziness
Reduced appetite
Allergic reaction, uncommonly

Precautions

Danshen can add to the effect of warfarin and other blood thinners and may lower blood pressure, so tell your doctor before taking it, particularly before any surgery. It does not replace prescribed heart medicine and should never be substituted for it. Chest pain that is new, worsening, or comes with breathlessness or sweating is an emergency, not something to treat with a tonic.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.