Evidence supporting the use of: Red Sage
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), also known as Danshen, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. In TCM, Red Sage is often prescribed during convalescence—the recovery period following illness—primarily to promote circulation, resolve blood stasis, and support organ function after disease or surgery. The rationale in TCM is that improved microcirculation and removal of “blood stasis” help restore vitality and accelerate recovery. Historically, Danshen-containing formulas have been given to patients recovering from stroke, heart disease, or physical trauma.
Modern scientific studies have focused on Red Sage’s cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, with some evidence suggesting benefits in heart disease recovery and tissue repair. However, direct clinical trials specifically examining Red Sage in the context of general convalescence or post-illness recovery are limited. Most contemporary medical uses are extrapolated from its effects on specific conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease) rather than on the broad process of convalescence. Thus, its use for convalescence is primarily justified by tradition, with only indirect scientific support at this time. The overall evidence rating is modest, reflecting the gap between traditional use and direct clinical validation for this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
Aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
L-Alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
Algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fat liver oil
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Growth factors
Globulins
Glutathione
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Lactalbumin
Lactoglobulin
Lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine Protein
Malt
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Polysaccharides
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rubia yunnanensis
Smartweed
Shark Liver Oil
Shellfish
Sarivan
Trametes
Other health conditions supported by Red Sage
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Convalescence
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Gonorrhea
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause