Quell the Surface – Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan Teapills – 200 Pills – Plum Flower
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan (丹參活血丸), sold by Plum Flower as Quell the Surface Teapills, is a traditional Chinese herbal formula associated with patterns involving Blood Heat, Blood stasis, and Wind affecting the body's surface according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.
Also known as Salvia Invigorate Blood Pills, this 12-ingredient formula combines Dan Shen with Sheng Di Huang, Qian Cao, Chi Shao, Hong Hua, Ze Lan, Bai Xian Pi, Dang Gui, Bai Ji Li, Chong Lou, Shan Dou Gen, and Qing Pi.
The name “Quell the Surface” refers to the formula's traditional relationship with patterns that may manifest at the skin or exterior of the body. It does not mean that every skin concern corresponds to this formula or traditional pattern.
What Is Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan (丹參活血丸) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula containing 12 ingredients.
The formula is built around several complementary traditional strategies. It contains herbs traditionally used to invigorate Blood and address Blood stasis, ingredients traditionally associated with cooling Blood or clearing Heat, and herbs used in formulas involving Wind and the body's surface.
Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is prominent enough to appear in the formula's traditional name and is one of the principal Blood-focused herbs in Chinese herbal medicine.
Understanding the complete formula is important because Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is not simply a Dan Shen supplement. It combines Dan Shen with 11 additional ingredients to create a much more specific traditional formula.
Product Details at a Glance
Traditional Name: Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan (丹參活血丸)
English Name: Quell the Surface Teapills
Also Known As: Salvia Invigorate Blood Pills
Brand: Plum Flower
Form: Prepared Chinese herbal teapills
Bottle Size: 200 teapills
Formula Size: 12 traditional ingredients
Label Directions: 8 teapills, 3 times daily
Approximate Supply: Approximately 8 days when taking 24 teapills per day
Origin: China
Preparation Required: None — swallow the prepared teapills with water
Manufacturer Contraindication: Contraindicated during pregnancy
What Herbs Are in Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
The current Plum Flower Quell the Surface formula contains 12 traditional ingredients. The following ingredient list reflects the current manufacturer information for this product.
| Pin Yin | Botanical Ingredient | Traditional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Shen | Salvia miltiorrhiza root | Traditionally invigorates Blood and addresses Blood stasis. |
| Di Huang (Sheng) | Rehmannia glutinosa root | Traditionally cools Blood and nourishes Yin. |
| Qian Cao | Rubia cordifolia root & rhizome | Traditionally cools Blood while also supporting Blood movement. |
| Chi Shao | Paeonia lactiflora root | Traditionally cools Blood and dispels Blood stasis. |
| Hong Hua | Carthamus tinctorius flower | Traditionally invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis. |
| Ze Lan | Lycopus lucidus herb | Traditionally invigorates Blood and supports movement where Blood stasis is present. |
| Bai Xian Pi | Dictamnus dasycarpus root-bark | Traditionally clears Heat and is commonly found in Chinese herbal formulas focused on the skin and body's surface. |
| Dang Gui | Angelica sinensis root | Traditionally nourishes and invigorates Blood. |
| Bai Ji Li | Tribulus terrestris fruit | Traditionally disperses Wind and is used in formulas involving itching and surface patterns. |
| Chong Lou | Paris polyphylla rhizome | Traditionally clears Heat and resolves toxicity according to Chinese herbal theory. |
| Shan Dou Gen | Sophora tonkinensis root & rhizome | Traditionally clears Heat and resolves toxicity. |
| Qing Pi | Citrus reticulata peel, immature | Traditionally promotes the movement of Qi and helps prevent stagnation within the formula's overall strategy. |
Other Ingredients
Maltose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated carbon, China wax.
Why These 12 Herbs?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is easier to understand when its ingredients are viewed as several cooperating traditional groups.
Dan Shen, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, Ze Lan, Qian Cao, and Dang Gui give the formula a strong Blood-focused character. Some primarily invigorate Blood, while others combine Blood movement with cooling or nourishing traditional actions.
Sheng Di Huang, Chi Shao, and Qian Cao contribute to the formula's Blood-cooling strategy according to TCM theory.
Bai Xian Pi and Bai Ji Li help explain the formula's traditional connection to the body's surface. Bai Xian Pi is commonly used in traditional skin-focused formulas, while Bai Ji Li traditionally disperses Wind.
Chong Lou and Shan Dou Gen contribute additional Heat-clearing traditional actions, while Qing Pi supports the movement of Qi.
Together, the 12 ingredients create a formula considerably more complex than its alternate name “Salvia Invigorate Blood Pills” might suggest.
What Does “Quell the Surface” Mean?
Quell the Surface is the English product name used for this Plum Flower formula.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, visible or uncomfortable changes at the body's surface may be interpreted according to patterns involving factors such as Wind, Heat, Blood Heat, Dampness, Blood deficiency, or Blood stasis.
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan has a particularly strong Blood-focused formula structure while also containing herbs traditionally associated with Heat, Wind, and the body's surface.
The term should therefore be understood within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern theory, rather than as a claim that the product treats a particular dermatological disease.
What Does Blood Stasis Mean in TCM?
Blood stasis is a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern concept describing Blood that is considered to be moving inadequately or becoming obstructed according to the traditional model.
It is not the same thing as a blood clot, blocked artery, or another Western medical diagnosis.
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan contains several important traditional Blood-invigorating herbs, including Dan Shen, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, Ze Lan, Qian Cao, and Dang Gui.
This group gives the formula its strong traditional emphasis on restoring appropriate Blood movement.
What Does Blood Heat Mean in TCM?
Blood Heat is another Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern concept.
In the traditional model, excessive Heat can enter or affect the Blood level and may contribute to certain surface manifestations.
Ingredients such as Sheng Di Huang, Chi Shao, and Qian Cao contribute to the formula's traditional Blood-cooling strategy, while other herbs address movement, Wind, Heat, and the surface.
Blood Heat should not be interpreted as literally having overheated blood or as a Western medical diagnosis.
Why Is Dan Shen Important in This Formula?
Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is one of the best-known Blood-invigorating herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is the herb highlighted in the formula's traditional name.
It is traditionally used to invigorate Blood and dispel Blood stasis.
However, Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan should not be confused with a single-herb Dan Shen product.
The complete formula combines Dan Shen with 11 additional ingredients that broaden the traditional strategy to include Blood cooling, Heat clearing, Wind dispersing, Qi movement, and support for patterns manifesting at the body's surface.
Why Teapills & How Do I Use Them?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is supplied as small prepared herbal teapills that can be swallowed with water according to the product directions.
Manufacturer's standard dosage: 8 teapills, 3 times per day.
At 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
Follow the directions on the product you receive unless your qualified healthcare practitioner has provided different instructions.
Is Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan the Right Traditional Formula?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan has a relatively specific traditional strategy involving Blood movement together with Heat-, Wind-, and surface-focused herbs.
This distinction is important because Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes many different patterns that can produce outwardly similar skin or surface manifestations.
A pattern involving Blood Heat and Blood stasis may require a very different traditional herbal strategy from one involving Damp-Heat, Wind-Cold, Blood deficiency, or another pattern.
If you are uncertain about your traditional pattern, consultation with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can help distinguish among the possibilities.
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan vs. Dan Shen as a Single Herb
| Product Type | What It Contains | Traditional Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan | 12-ingredient traditional formula | Combines Blood-invigorating herbs with ingredients traditionally associated with Blood Heat, Heat, Wind, Qi movement, and the body's surface. |
| Dan Shen Single Herb | Salvia miltiorrhiza root | A single Chinese herb traditionally used to invigorate Blood and address Blood stasis. |
This distinction is important for shoppers searching for Dan Shen. A bottle of Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is a complete traditional formula and is not equivalent to a single-herb Salvia miltiorrhiza product.
Research on Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan & Its Herbs
Several ingredients in Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan have been investigated in modern scientific research. The following PubMed searches provide convenient access to published literature.
- Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) Research – PubMed
- Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) Research – PubMed
- Qian Cao (Rubia cordifolia) Research – PubMed
- Chi Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) Research – PubMed
- Hong Hua (Carthamus tinctorius) Research – PubMed
- Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus) Research – PubMed
- Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus dasycarpus) Research – PubMed
- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) Research – PubMed
- Bai Ji Li (Tribulus terrestris) Research – PubMed
- Chong Lou (Paris polyphylla) Research – PubMed
Research note: Scientific research may investigate individual herbs, extracts, isolated compounds, traditional decoctions, modified formulas, animal models, or dosages that differ from this Plum Flower teapill product. Research links are provided for educational purposes and do not establish that this product diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.
Safety & Important Considerations
Pregnancy: The manufacturer states that Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Blood-Thinning or Antiplatelet Medications: Because this formula contains several herbs traditionally associated with Blood movement, including Dan Shen and Hong Hua, people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult their physician or pharmacist before using this formula.
Before Surgery: Tell your physician and surgeon about all herbs and supplements you use before a scheduled procedure.
Skin Concerns: Persistent, unexplained, rapidly spreading, painful, blistering, infected, or severe skin changes should receive appropriate medical evaluation rather than being assumed to represent a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Important: Blood Heat, Blood stasis, Wind, Heat, Qi, and related terminology on this page describe Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and are not Western medical diagnoses.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Why Buy Plum Flower Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan provides a distinctive 12-ingredient traditional Chinese herbal formula rather than Dan Shen as a single botanical ingredient.
The current Plum Flower formula combines major Blood-focused herbs such as Dan Shen, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, Ze Lan, Qian Cao, and Dang Gui with herbs traditionally associated with Heat, Wind, Qi movement, and the body's surface.
The product is supplied in a 200-count bottle with manufacturer directions of 8 teapills, 3 times daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan
What is Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan (丹參活血丸) is a traditional 12-ingredient Chinese herbal formula sold by Plum Flower as Quell the Surface Teapills. Its traditional strategy emphasizes Blood movement together with Heat-, Wind-, and surface-focused herbs.
What is another name for Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
The formula is also known as Salvia Invigorate Blood Pills and is sold by Plum Flower under the English name Quell the Surface.
What does Quell the Surface mean?
Quell the Surface refers to the formula's traditional association with patterns that may manifest at the body's surface. It is terminology based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory rather than the name of a Western medical treatment.
What herbs are in Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
The current Plum Flower formula contains Dan Shen, Sheng Di Huang, Qian Cao, Chi Shao, Hong Hua, Ze Lan, Bai Xian Pi, Dang Gui, Bai Ji Li, Chong Lou, Shan Dou Gen, and Qing Pi.
Is Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan the same as Dan Shen?
No. Dan Shen is the individual herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is a complete 12-ingredient traditional formula containing Dan Shen and 11 additional ingredients.
Does this formula contain Dang Gui?
Yes. The current formula contains Dang Gui, identified by the manufacturer as Angelica sinensis root.
Does Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan contain Hong Hua?
Yes. Hong Hua, Carthamus tinctorius flower, is one of the formula's traditional Blood-invigorating ingredients.
Can Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan be taken during pregnancy?
No. The manufacturer states that this product is contraindicated during pregnancy.
How do I take Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan Teapills?
The manufacturer's standard dosage is 8 teapills, 3 times per day. Follow the directions on the product you receive or instructions provided by your qualified healthcare practitioner.
How long does a 200-count bottle last?
At the manufacturer's standard dosage of 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
What other ingredients are in Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan?
The manufacturer lists maltose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated carbon, and China wax.
Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan — Blood Movement with a Surface-Focused Traditional Strategy
What distinguishes Dan Shen Huo Xue Wan is its combination of several traditional approaches within one 12-ingredient formula.
Dan Shen, Hong Hua, Chi Shao, Ze Lan, Qian Cao, and Dang Gui create a strong Blood-focused foundation. Other ingredients contribute traditional Blood-cooling, Heat-clearing, Wind-dispersing, Qi-moving, and surface-focused actions.
That combination is the key to understanding Quell the Surface and why it is different from simply taking Dan Shen or another individual Chinese herb.
Important Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional uses and patterns described on this page refer to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and are provided for educational purposes.
1 Review
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Quell the Surface
I got this for my dog. He had severe chronic allergic dermatitis. He stank and was greasy and chewed on himself. These Teapills have turned his health around.
