Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese salvia root
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion

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Synopsis

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

Chinese salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is primarily valued for its effects on blood circulation, heart health, and calming the spirit. In TCM, "nervous exhaustion" is not a modern diagnostic category, but similar symptoms—such as fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety—are often associated with patterns like "deficiency of Heart and Spleen" or "Qi and Blood deficiency." Danshen is sometimes included in herbal formulas aimed at nourishing the blood and calming the mind, which may be prescribed for symptoms resembling nervous exhaustion.

While modern pharmacological studies have investigated Danshen for cardiovascular, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, there is little direct clinical evidence that specifically supports its use for "nervous exhaustion" as defined by Western medicine. Most contemporary research focuses on its use for angina, stroke, and other circulatory issues. The traditional use of Danshen for supporting emotional balance and mental fatigue is based more on centuries of empirical observation and pattern differentiation in TCM rather than rigorous scientific trials. Therefore, the justification for using Chinese salvia root in cases of nervous exhaustion is rooted primarily in traditional medicine rather than scientific validation.

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