Salvia Root (Danshen)
Overview
Danshen means "red ginseng root" in a literal sense — danshim in Korean — and the Donguibogam describes why: the root is red, as thick as a finger and over a foot long, with several roots per shoot. The stem and leaves look like mint but with hairs, and the flowers in the third month are red-purple. A charming line in the text explains its alias: taken soaked in wine, it "can chase a galloping horse," so it is also called galloping-horse herb. The recorded role is gynecological and circulatory: breaking old blood, building new blood, and regulating a woman's menstrual vessels.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Breaks old blood and builds new blood
- Regulates menstruation
- Stops pain and drains pus
- Eases limb weakness and numbness
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Irregular menstruation (classical use)
- Leg weakness and numbness
- Painful swellings
Traditional preparation
Root harvested in the 9th–10th lunar month and sun-dried; washed in wine and dried before use.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called "galloping-horse herb"?
The text says that when the root is steeped in wine and taken, it "can chase a galloping horse," hence the alias.
Why is it called "red ginseng root"?
The text describes the root as red, as thick as a finger and over a foot long, with multiple roots per shoot — hence 丹 (red) 參.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
The entry says it can settle a live fetus but also expel a dead one, and breaks old blood, so use in pregnancy requires professional guidance.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조