Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese salvia root
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese salvia root, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza or Danshen, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is most commonly prescribed for cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. In some traditional contexts, it has also been used to "clear heat" and "remove toxins," which are TCM concepts sometimes associated with conditions presenting as sores, ulcers, or skin eruptions—including cold sores (Herpes simplex labialis). The rationale in TCM is that cold sores may result from "heat" or "toxic heat" in the body, and herbs like Danshen are believed to counteract these imbalances.

However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the use of Chinese salvia root specifically for the treatment or prevention of cold sores. While Danshen has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and some antiviral properties in laboratory studies, most research focuses on cardiovascular effects or general immune modulation rather than direct activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the primary cause of cold sores. No clinical trials have established Danshen's efficacy for cold sores in humans. Therefore, its use for this purpose is justified primarily by traditional practice, not by modern clinical evidence. The evidence rating is 2, reflecting weak support based on tradition and indirect scientific rationale, but lacking robust clinical validation.

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