Red sage / Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Cardiovascular · Circulation · Liver

One of the most widely prescribed herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cardiovascular conditions. Contains tanshinones and salvianolic acids with confirmed antioxidant and blood-thinning properties in lab studies. Clinical trials are mostly Chinese and of variable quality. Interacts significantly with blood thinners, particularly warfarin, by enhancing their effect. Use only under practitioner guidance.

Dose: 1,500–3,000 mg/day dried root or 200–400 mg extract; AVOID with anticoagulants — potentiates warfarin