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Salvia multiorrhiza - Bunge.

Common Name Dan Shen
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Light woodland and clearings[187]. Sunny sides of hills and stream edges[147].
Range E. Asia - N.E. China.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Salvia multiorrhiza Dan Shen


Salvia multiorrhiza Dan Shen

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Salvia multiorrhiza is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Adaptogen  Alterative  Anticholesterolemic  Antirheumatic  Antiseptic  Antispasmodic  Astringent  Cancer  
Emmenagogue  Hepatic  Sedative  Tonic  Vulnerary

Dan Shen has long been used in Chinese medicine and recent research has confirmed the validity of its use in the treatment of heart and circulatory problems[254]. The root is adaptogen, alterative, anticholesterolemic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, emmenagogue, hepatic, sedative, tonic and vulnerary[147, 176, 178, 218]. It acts mainly on the heart energy, removing excess heat and clearing stagnation[238]. Its use improves the micro-circulation, increases blood flow to the coronary artery, improves myocardial contraction and adjusts the heart rate[176]. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, E. coli, Vibrio Proteus, Bacillus typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus etc[176]. It is used internally in the treatment of coronary heart disease, poor circulation, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, breast abscesses, mastitis, ulcers, boils, sores, bruises, menstrual problems and post-natal pains[238]. 'Praised for its alleged medicinal qualities, including a cure for cancer'[187]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and early winter and are dried for later use[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rich soil[1]. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse[200]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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12

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Bunge.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

K Patmore   Tue Nov 20 2007

Just a quick amendment needed. The correct spelling for this plant is Salvia miltiorhiza(i instead of u and only one r)according to RHS plant finder and Kew world checklist.

Kew World Checklist: Salvia

grace del prado   Wed May 21 2008

what is the English name of salvia multiorrhiza?

Heino Konrad   Mon Dec 29 2008

Correct name is Salvia miltiorrhiza!

Stephanie Williams   Mon Nov 30 2009

The currently accepted name for this plant is Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Enum. pl. China bor. 50. 1833 (Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 2:124. 1835) as verified by Germplasm Resources Information Network at the Missouri Botanic Gardens) Thanks Stephanie Williams Medical Herbalist

   Feb 7 2011 12:00AM

grace del prado Red Sage is a name often used; the medicinal roots are red (I think! have yet to dig mine up to check) It does seem to like more water than many other sages esp Offic.
Michael Bailes

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