Red sage has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for generations and is now beginning to gain credibility in more formal medical circles.
What is Red Sage?
Red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a common name for danshen, an herb native to China. The herb has a bitter taste, particularly the root, which is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes. The red sage flower is also occasionally used for certain remedies. Unlike many other herbal remedies in the Chinese tradition, there has been extensive research done on this plant, and the results have been impressive. [1]
Nutrition
The active ingredients in this herb include good amounts of vitamin E, as well as phenolic compounds, tanshinones, and diterpenes, as well as a number of other volatile oils and antioxidants.
Red sage, also known as scarlet sage or blood sage, is highly attractive to hummingbirds. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Benefits
There are quite a few benefits to using this herb as a natural remedy, including the following: [2]
- Ability to lower high blood pressure
- Prevent abdominal diseases
- Lower risk of atherosclerosis
- Treatment of angina
- Reduction in anxiety
- Treatment of insomnia
- A boost in bone mineral density
- Anti-diabetic effect [3]
- Detoxification of the body
- Stimulation of liver function
- Preventing osteoporosis
Red Sage Uses
Throughout history, the red sage root has been used in many different ways, and can still be utilized in the form of a tea, tincture, fluid extract or capsule, depending on your preferred method. [4]
- Experts recommend a dosage of no more than 1 teaspoon of dried root brewed into a tea three times per day.
- As a tincture or fluid extract, the dosage shouldn’t exceed 60 drops or 30 drops, respectively, mixed in juice or water three times daily.
Side Effects
Excess intake of red sage may cause various side effects, including the following:
- Complications of pregnancy
- Dizziness and headaches
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- General weakness and fatigue
