The treatment of blood stasis has become the dominant theme in the modern practice of traditional Chinese medicine. This approach was given a boost by the medical reformer Wang Qingren during the early 1800s. More recently, salvia has become the most frequently used blood vitalizing herb (available as a single herb: Dan Shen Pian, Pine Mountain). It is said to provide all the benefits of the traditional formula Tang-kuei Four Combination (Siwu Tang) and is suitable for long-term applications. Ho-shou-wu is included here to aid in nourishing the blood and helping clear excessive fats from the blood (likewise, crataegus is included both to vitalize blood and reduce blood lipids). This formula differs from other blood vitalizers, such as San Qi 17 and Myrrh Tablets, in that it is not designed for resolving masses of congealed blood or aiding healing of numerous broken vessels. Rather, it is aimed at improving diminished circulation due to sticky blood, narrowed vessels, or distorted capillaries. Such problems arise from chronic diseases and from aging under the influence of poor diet, lack of exercise, or detrimental habits, such as cigarette smoking. The formula is designed to treat a combination of poor blood circulation and blood deficiency. In this way, the potential concern about long-term use of blood vitalizers (that they may dry the yin and blood) is alleviated. It is well-suited for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Salvia Shou Wu has been widely used for more than 15 years. For patients with post-stroke or post-heart attack syndromes in which drugs are administered to thin the blood, a modest dosage of Salvia Shou Wu should not further alter the blood coagulation properties, but continued monitoring is essential.