(Gansu danshen)
Native to the high mountains of Western China and Tibet where it grows along the edges of forests, streams and ditches. It is a beautiful species with strongly aromatic grey-green foliage and purple-red flowers arranged in spikes rising up to 60cm/2ft. The root is used like Chinese red sage or danshen to treat heart conditions and to prevent heart disease. Its effect on the heart is probably related to its proven ability to prevent blood clots.
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