Dan Shen Yin
Star丹參飲 (Salvia Decoction)
Source: Shi Fang Ge Kuo — Chen Nian-Zi (1801)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Decoction), from the Shi Fang Ge Kuo (Collected Songs about Contemporary Formulas) by Chen Nian-Zi.
Actions: Activates blood circulation and removes blood stasis; Activates qi circulation and stops pain.
Presentation: Heart [epigastric] and stomach pain due to qi and blood stagnation: fixed epigastric pain, worse with pressure.
Cautions:
- Use with caution in bleeding disorders; the large dose of Dan Shen may prolong bleeding
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Cardiovascular: dilated coronary arteries, increased myocardial perfusion, lowered blood pressure
- Antiplatelet: marked in vitro effect comparable to aspirin
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 917.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dan Shen
as printed: Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 30g
|
30g | 100% | Jun (Chief) | large dose activates blood and removes stagnation |
|
Tan Xiang
dose printed as 3-4.5g; as printed: Tan Xiang (Lignum Santali Albi) 3-4.5g
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | activates qi circulation and relieves pain |
|
Sha Ren
dose printed as 3-4.5g; as printed: Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) 3-4.5g
|
g | — | Zuo (Assistant) | activates qi circulation and relieves pain |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net cool (-1.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 100%.
Taste
- bitter 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Heart 100%
- Pericardium 100%
- Liver 100%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
2 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Tan Xiang, Sha Ren.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Source text: cook with one cup of water down to 70% of volume; take strained and warm.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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