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【Introduction to Shudi Huang】
Shudi Huang, originally named: Dihuang, also known as: Shengdi, Huaqing Dihuang, Shudi. It is the tuber of the plant Rehmannia glutinosa from the Scrophulariaceae family, processed through steaming and drying. It is cultivated in various regions both domestically and abroad. The root is used medicinally.
Herb Name: Shudi Huang
Pinyin: Shú Dì Huánɡ
English Name: Prepared rhizome of Adhesive Rehmannia
Alias: Shudi.
Source: From “Bencao Tujing”.
”Bencao Tujing”: Dihuang, harvested in February and August, steamed for three to two days until soft, then dried in the sun, is called Shudi Huang; the one dried in the shade is Shengdi Huang.
Herb Source: The tuber of the plant Rehmannia glutinosa, processed through steaming and drying.
Latin Botanical Name: Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch EX Fisch.et Mey.
Harvesting and Storage: Take dried Dihuang and add 30% yellow wine, mix, and steam until it is black and shiny inside and out, then dry. Alternatively, steam dried Dihuang for 8 hours, let it rest overnight, flip it over, steam for another 4-8 hours, let it rest overnight, take it out, dry until 80% dry, slice, and then dry completely.
Morphology: Dihuang is a perennial herb, 10-40 cm tall. The whole plant is covered with grayish-white long soft hairs and glandular hairs. The root is thick, fleshy, tuberous, cylindrical, or spindle-shaped. The stem is erect, single or branched at the base. The basal leaves are clustered, lanceolate, 3-10 cm long, 1.5-4 cm wide, blunt at the tip, gradually narrowing at the base, extending into long petioles, with a wrinkled leaf surface and irregular serrated edges; stem leaves are smaller. The flower stalk is erect, hairy, with a racemose inflorescence at the upper part of the stem; bracts are leaf-like, well-developed or degenerated; the calyx is bell-shaped, with 5 lobes at the tip, lobes triangular, covered with multicellular long soft hairs and white long hairs, with 10 veins; the corolla is wide tubular, slightly curved, 3-4 cm long, dark purple outside, mixed with yellow inside, with distinct purple stripes, 5 shallow lobes at the tip, slightly bilabiate; there are 4 stamens, two strong, with forked bases; the ovary is superior, oval, 2-celled, becoming 1-celled after flowering, with 1 style and a swollen stigma. The capsule is oval or long oval, pointed at the tip, with a persistent style, surrounded by the persistent calyx. The seeds are numerous. Flowering period is April to May, fruiting period is May to June.
Identification: It is irregularly tuberous, black inside and out, shiny, with a wrinkled and uneven surface. The cross-section is moist, and the center often shows shiny, oily blocks, very sticky, and soft in texture. It tastes sweet. The best quality has a large, soft, moist tuber with a shiny black appearance.
Chemical Composition: Shudi Huang contains a small amount of iridoid glycosides, including: Leonuride, Aucubin, Catalpol, Rehmannioside A, B, C, D, Melittoside, Tehmaglutin A, D, Glutinoside, etc. It also contains monoterpenes: Jioglutin A, B, C, Jioglutolide, Jiolutin A, B, C, Jioglutolide, Jiofuran, Rehmapicrogenin, etc. It contains amino acids, with a composition that, compared to dried Dihuang, lacks lysine and has a correspondingly reduced content. It also contains carbohydrates, with the content of monosaccharides being more than twice that of fresh Dihuang. Additionally, it contains 3-hydroxy-β-ionone, 5-hydroxy-2-phenylbutyric acid, succinic acid, 5-oxoproline, 5-hydroxymethylfuroic acid, uracil, uridine, etc. From petroleum ether extracts, it has been isolated: Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Arachidic acid, Behenic acid, Pentadecanoic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Myristic acid, Nonadecanoic acid, Heneicosanoic acid, Margaric acid.
Toxicity: The water decoction and alcohol extract of Dihuang given to mice at a dose of 60 g/kg daily for 3 days showed no deaths or adverse reactions after one week. Rats given the water decoction or alcohol extract of Dihuang at 18 g/kg daily for 15 days showed no significant changes in behavior, weight, blood non-protein nitrogen, or alanine aminotransferase levels; no significant lesions were observed in liver and kidney tissues. The water extract of dried Dihuang significantly increased T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, while the alcohol extract significantly promoted the generation of anti-SR-pc antibodies and hemolysins, reducing peripheral blood T lymphocytes, which was not observed with the water extract of Shudi Huang. The 80% water decoction of Shudi Huang reduced the rate of protein decomposition in liver and kidney tissues, while increasing the rate of protein synthesis in lung tissues.
Processing: Shudi Huang Charcoal: Take Shudi Huang and place it in a calcining pot, filling it to 80%, cover with another pot, seal the joint with yellow clay, press down with a weight, and when the white paper stuck to the bottom of the pot turns yellow, block the door, and wait for it to cool. Remove it; alternatively, Shudi Huang can be directly stir-fried to charcoal. Take dried Dihuang, add 30% yellow wine, mix, and steam until it is black and shiny inside and out, then dry. Alternatively, steam dried Dihuang for 8 hours, let it rest overnight, flip it over, steam for another 4-8 hours, let it rest overnight, take it out, dry until 80% dry, slice, and then dry completely.
1. “Leigong Paozhi Lun”: Harvest Shengdi Huang, remove the white skin, steam it in a willow wood steamer, spread it out to let the air dry, mix and sprinkle, then steam again until dry. Avoid using copper or iron utensils.
2. “Bencao Tujing”: Take 30-20 jin of fat Dihuang, wash it clean, and remove the thin roots and short segments, yielding 20-30 jin. Mash and squeeze to extract juice, place in silver or copper utensils, soak the fat Dihuang in the juice, steam for three to four times, and soak and squeeze repeatedly until the juice is exhausted. The Dihuang should be shiny black like lacquer and sweet like syrup. It should be stored in a gentle container, as it is soft and prefers moist conditions.
3. “Gangmu”: Recently, the method involves selecting heavy, water-sinking Dihuang, mixing it with good wine and sand, steaming in a willow wood steamer in a tile pot until the air penetrates, drying, and then mixing with sand and wine for further steaming. This process is repeated nine times, as Dihuang is inherently muddy, and the fragrance of sand can harmonize the qi of the five organs and return it to the lower dantian.
Properties and Flavor: Sweet; warm in nature.
① “Zhenzhu Nang”: “Sweet and slightly bitter.”
② “Gangmu”: “Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm.”
③ “Bencao Xinbian”: “Sweet, warm in nature.”
Meridian Affinity: Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.
① Li Gao: “Enters the hand and foot Shaoyin and Jueyin meridians.”
② “Bencao Congxin”: “Enters the foot’s three Yin meridians.”
Dosage: Internal use: decoction, 10-30 g; or in pills or powders; or as a syrup, or soaked in wine.
Contraindications: Avoid in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency, qi stagnation with phlegm, abdominal fullness, and loose stools.
① “Leigong Paozhi Lun”: “Avoid using steel and iron utensils, as it can cause kidney depletion and white hair, harming the protective qi.”
② “Pinhui Jingyao”: “Avoid radishes, scallions, leeks, and garlic.”
③ “Yixue Rumen”: “Use cautiously in cases of abdominal fullness and phlegm accumulation.”
④ “Bencao Congxin”: “In cases of qi stagnation, it can obstruct the chest and diaphragm, so use with caution.”
【Effects and Functions of Shudi Huang】
Shudi Huang nourishes blood and moistens; benefits essence and fills marrow. It is indicated for blood deficiency, dizziness, palpitations, menstrual irregularities, excessive bleeding, liver and kidney yin deficiency, tidal fever, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, impotence, infertility, lower back and knee weakness, tinnitus, blurred vision, premature graying of hair, diabetes, constipation, and kidney deficiency with shortness of breath.
① “Zhenzhu Nang”: “Greatly nourishes blood deficiency, opens blood vessels, and increases vitality.”
② Wang Haogu: “Indicated for those who want to rise but cannot, with blurred vision.”
③ “Gangmu”: “Fills the marrow, promotes muscle growth, generates essence and blood, nourishes the five organs, treats internal injuries, opens blood vessels, benefits the ears and eyes, darkens hair, and treats various women’s issues and postpartum conditions.”
④ “Bencao Xinbian”: “Nourishes kidney water, fills the marrow, opens blood vessels, nourishes true yin, sharpens hearing and vision, darkens hair. It also nourishes spleen yin, stops chronic diarrhea, treats labor injuries, wind-dampness, yin deficiency with fever, dry cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and feelings of emptiness in the stomach, and is a major herb for nourishing water.”
【Images of Shudi Huang】
【Formulas Containing Shudi Huang】
① For treating male and female blood deficiency, and insufficient nourishment: 8 liang of Shudi Huang (select the sweetest, dry to remove moisture), 1 qian of sandalwood (or 3 qian of white sandalwood), 4 liang of goji berries (use the fattest, dry to remove moisture). Each herb is 1 jin, soak in 10 jin of high-proof liquor for ten days without boiling, but after taking, do not drink excessively, and after finishing, add another 6-7 jin of liquor for another half month, and it can still be used. (“Jingyue Quanshu” Dihuang Li)
② For treating various deficiencies, abdominal and flank pain, blood loss, lack of appetite, fever, and women’s menstrual issues: Shudi Huang (sliced and roasted), and Angelica (remove the sprouts, sliced and roasted) in equal parts. Grind into a fine powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of a walnut, take 20-30 pills before meals with warm water. (“Jifeng Pujifang” Wanbing Wan)
③ For treating mutism, kidney deficiency, and inability to speak: Shudi Huang, Baijie (remove the heart), Shanzhuyu, Shihud, Roucongrong (soaked in wine and roasted), Fuzi (processed), Wuweizi, Guigui, Bai Fuling, Maidong (remove the heart), Chaozhu, Yuanzhi (remove the heart) in equal parts. Grind into a powder, take 3 qian with 1.5 cups of water, 5 slices of ginger, 1 jujube, and mint, decoct until 80% is left, and take warm. (“Xuanming Lunfang” Dihuang Yinzi)
④ For treating bone steaming, body heat, and fatigue: Rehmannia, Angelica, Dihuang, Zhike (roasted with bran), Chaihu, Qinjiao, Zhimu, Biejia (roasted) in equal parts. Grind into a powder, take with 1 cup of water and half a plum, decoct for seven minutes, and take warm. (“Youyou Xinshu” Dihuang San)
⑤ To regulate and nourish the protective qi, nourish blood, treat deficiency of Chong and Ren, menstrual irregularities, abdominal pain, excessive bleeding, blood clots, pain during menstruation, pregnancy complications, and postpartum issues: Angelica (remove the reed, soaked in wine and roasted), Chuanxiong, Bai Shaoyao, Shudi Huang (roasted with wine) in equal parts. Grind into a coarse powder, take 3 qian with 1.5 cups of water, decoct until 80% is left, remove the residue and take warm on an empty stomach before meals. (“Jufang” Siwu Decoction)
⑥ For treating frequent urination: 1 liang of dragon bone, 1 liang of Sangpiao, 1 liang of Shudi Huang, 1 liang of Gua Lou root, and 1 liang of Huanglian (remove the beard). Grind into a fine powder, take 2 qian before meals with congee. (“Shenghuifang”)
⑦ For treating children’s kidney deficiency and inability to speak, with open fontanelle, insufficient spirit, excessive white in the eyes, and pale complexion: 8 qian of Shudi Huang, 4 qian each of Shanzhuyu and dried yam, and 3 qian each of Zexie, Mudanpi, and Bai Fuling (remove the skin). Grind into a powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of a walnut, take 3 pills with warm water on an empty stomach. (“Children’s Medicinal Evidence”)
⑧ For treating shortness of breath, rapid breathing, inability to rise, and obstruction of the airways: 7-8 qian of Shudi Huang, or 1-2 liang for severe cases, 2-3 qian of roasted licorice, and 2-3 qian of Angelica. Use 2 cups of water, decoct until 80% is left, and take warm. (“Jingyue Quanshu” Zhenyuan Decoction)
⑨ For treating water deficiency and excessive fire, with floating and slippery pulse, insufficient Shaoyin, and excess Yangming, with irritability, dry mouth, headache, toothache, and blood loss: 3-5 qian of Sheng Shigao, 3-5 qian or 1 liang of Shudi Huang, 2 qian of Maidong, and 0.5 qian each of Zhimu and Niuxi. Use 1.5 cups of water, decoct for seven minutes, and take warm or cold. If there is loose stool, it is not suitable. (“Jingyue Quanshu” Yunu Decoction)
⑩ For treating liver wood invading the stomach, with pain in the stomach and heart, and flank pain with acid reflux and vomiting: Beisha Shen, Maidong, Shudi Huang, Angelica, Goji berries, and Chuanlian. (“Liuzhou Yihua” Yiguang Decoction)
【Discussions on Shudi Huang by Various Schools】
1. “Bencao Yanyi”: Dihuang, the “Classic” only mentions two types: dry and raw, without mentioning the cooked type. In cases of blood deficiency, postpartum heat, and elderly dryness, those who need Dihuang should use the cooked type, as using raw or dry types can often lead to excessive cold.
2. Zhang Yuansu: Hot Dihuang nourishes the kidney, and those with blood deficiency should use it. Also, for pain below the navel, belonging to the kidney meridian, only cooked Dihuang can alleviate it, as it is a kidney-opening herb.
3. Li Gao: The main Dihuang treats heat in the hands and feet and heart, can benefit kidney water and treat blood, and is suitable for a full pulse. If the pulse is weak, then Shudi Huang is appropriate. Dihuang uses fire power to steam, thus can nourish the kidney’s qi.
4. “Gangmu”: According to Wang Shuo’s “Yijian Fang”, men with excessive yin deficiency should use Shudi Huang, while women with excessive blood heat should use Shengdi Huang. It is also said that Dihuang can generate essence and blood, and Tianmendong can guide the generated essence, while Shudi Huang can nourish the blood. It is said that Shudi Huang can nourish blood, but if the stomach qi is weak, it may hinder digestion. Shudi Huang nourishes blood, but if phlegm and fluid are excessive, it may obstruct the diaphragm. It is said that Shengdi Huang can be stir-fried without hindering the stomach, while hot Dihuang can be stir-fried with ginger juice to avoid obstruction, as these are the refined essences of Dihuang.
5. “Bencao Huiyan”: Hot Dihuang is slightly warm, and its effects are broader. In cases of chronic illness with yin damage, postpartum blood failure, it is essential. However, both types of Dihuang are cold and muddy, and in cases of postpartum food aversion and diarrhea, or fever and lochia, it is not suitable, as misuse can lead to continuous diarrhea. In cases of yin deficiency with cough, internal heat, or blood loss, if the spleen and stomach are weak, and the stool is not firm, or if there is excessive daytime urination, postpartum diarrhea, or lack of appetite, Dihuang should be avoided. In cases of chest obstruction with phlegm, and obstructed qi pathways, the medicine should be unblocking and not obstructing, so Dihuang should not be included in decoctions or pills. If there is a need for qi medicine, then a small amount of cinnamon can be added; if there is a need for phlegm medicine, then ginger juice should be stir-fried.
6. “Bencao Zheng”: Shudi Huang is neutral in nature, with pure and calm flavor, thus can nourish the true yin of the five organs, and is especially important for the blood-rich organs. It is not just the spleen and stomach that give life, but also qi and blood. Qi is yang and active, while blood is yin and static. To nourish qi, ginseng is the main herb, while astragalus and atractylodes can assist. To nourish blood, Shudi Huang is the main herb, while angelica and chuanxiong can assist. However, ginseng, atractylodes, chuanxiong, and angelica should be avoided, while ginseng and Shudi Huang are essential for qi and blood. In cases of yang qi deficiency, ginseng is necessary, while in cases of blood deficiency, Shudi Huang is essential. In cases of true yin deficiency, with symptoms of heat, headache, thirst, throat obstruction, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, or coldness in the spleen and kidney leading to vomiting, or if there is a deficiency of yin leading to loss of qi, or if there is water retention in the skin, or if yin deficiency leads to diarrhea, or if yang floats leading to agitation, or if yin escapes leading to collapse, or if yin deficiency leads to scattered spirit, Shudi Huang is essential to gather and stabilize; if yin deficiency leads to rising fire, Shudi Huang is essential to lower it; if yin deficiency leads to agitation, Shudi Huang is essential to calm it; if yin deficiency leads to urgency, Shudi Huang is essential to soften it; if yin deficiency leads to water retention, without Shudi Huang, how can one control it? If yin deficiency leads to loss of true qi, without Shudi Huang, how can one return to the source? If yin deficiency leads to loss of essence and blood, with thin and weak tissues, without Shudi Huang, how can one nourish the intestines and stomach? Moreover, the most profound and subtle aspect is that Shudi Huang can also be used in dispersing formulas to induce sweating, as sweating transforms into blood, and without yin, there is no sweating. Shudi Huang can also be used in warming formulas to restore yang, as it obstructs the generation of lower energy, and without it, there is no return to dryness. However, yang is quick, and ginseng should be used sparingly, while yin is slow, and Shudi Huang should not be used excessively, as it is difficult to achieve results. If one is afraid of its stickiness, then Cui’s method of using kidney qi nine times to treat phlegm is appropriate; if one is afraid of its slippery nature, then Zhongjing’s use of eight-flavor pill to treat kidney leakage is appropriate. If there are methods of processing, such as using ginger juice to stir-fry, it must be accompanied by cold and vomiting; if using sand to process, it must be accompanied by fullness and obstruction; if using wine to process, it must be accompanied by meridian obstruction. If there are none of these conditions, and one insists on using it, it is not understanding that the purpose of using Shudi Huang is to utilize its calming and heavy nature, and instead, it is used in a dispersing manner, which disrupts its nature, akin to painting a snake and adding feet. Nowadays, people want to use it to nourish yin but must also include diuretics, not realizing that nourishing yin does not benefit water, and benefiting water does not nourish yin, and the methods of nourishment should not be diuretic; if one uses it to nourish blood but doubts its stickiness, how can one know that blood deficiency is like dry soil, longing for rain, and the intestines are extremely dry and desire moisture? If one does not understand this, then using it sparingly while wanting to combine it with diuretics, who would dare to use it excessively? If one uses it excessively and dares not, who would dare to assist it with sweetness and exhaust its strengths? This is akin to giving up food due to choking!
7. “Yaopin Huayi”: Shudi Huang, steamed with wine, transforms bitterness into sweetness, and its cool nature becomes warm, specifically nourishing the liver and blood. Since the liver is bitter and urgent, it is calmed with sweetness, and it also warms the gallbladder, benefiting heart blood and further nourishing kidney water. In cases of internal injury and deficiency, bitter thoughts, laboring the spirit, worries and concerns, excessive desires, and menstrual and childbirth issues, it is suitable to use this herb. It calms the five organs, harmonizes blood vessels, moistens the skin, nourishes the heart, calms the soul, nourishes true yin, and fills the marrow, making it a sacred medicine, taking its rich flavor as a thick and turbid product to nourish the kidney. Therefore, both raw and cooked Dihuang, Tianmendong, Maidong, roasted tortoise shell, Angelica, Shanzhuyu, and Goji berries are all sticky and moistening agents used to nourish yin and blood, as those with insufficient yin should be nourished with flavor.
8. “Bencao Fengyuan”: Shudi Huang, using fire power to steam and dry, transforms bitterness into sweetness, and is the yang within yin, thus can nourish the kidney’s original qi. It must be steamed and dried multiple times; if only boiled, without steaming and drying, it will not be beneficial. Pain below the navel belongs to kidney essence damage; soreness in the legs and thighs is due to insufficient lower energy; blurred vision is due to water deficiency, which cannot be perceived, all of which are kidney-related diseases that cannot be resolved without Shudi Huang.
9. “Bencao Qiuzhen”: Jingyue discusses Shudi Huang most clearly, stating that all diseases stem from the kidney. Misusing the “Shenyi Bencao” superior grade Dihuang as a medicinal herb, thinking it is a remedy, can lead to sticky and moistening effects, which can trap evil qi in the Shaoyin without an exit.
10. “Bencao Zhengyi”: Dihuang is a good agent for both nourishing and supplementing, and it has been used since ancient times in its raw and dry forms, hence called Qian Dihuang, which is now referred to as raw Dihuang. However, the “Classic” uniquely uses a thousand words for this flavor, and also states that the raw form is especially good, indicating that fresh and dry forms were already divided into two categories before the Six Dynasties, but the differentiation in treatment was not strict. Until the “Mingyi Bie Lu”, the fresh Dihuang was further distinguished, clearly separating it from dry Dihuang, with the treatment of dry Dihuang being to nourish blood and benefit yin, while fresh Dihuang cools blood and clears heat, with therapeutic effects no longer mixed. However, it is still a cold and cooling product, and only those with true heat should use it. If there is true yin deficiency without heat symptoms, then using Dihuang is still considered cold and soft, which is not beneficial for weak spleen and stomach. Therefore, since the Tang and Song dynasties, there has been a method to prepare Shudi Huang, using sand and wine to mix and steam multiple times until the center is pure black, which is the degree of ripeness, borrowing the true yang of the sun to transform its soft and cold nature, allowing those with deficiency to consume it without worrying about its stagnation, thus Shudi Huang is also known for its slight warmth, capable of nourishing true yin without fear of its cold and slippery nature. Therefore, clearing the fire of the heart and stomach transforms into nourishing the blood of the liver, spleen, and kidney, and its nature and efficacy are no longer the same, but rather thicker and more potent, thus reaching the lower jiao, nourishing fluids, and benefiting essence and blood. In cases of fluid deficiency, blood deficiency, excessive sweating, and postpartum blood deficiency, large doses can be frequently administered, and its effects are remarkable. However, sticky and turbid conditions, such as in cases of great deficiency, should be avoided, thus it is only suitable for those with good digestion and not weakened spirit; otherwise, it will obstruct the middle, leading to bloating. Even with sand and wine processing, it will still be ineffective if the middle qi is greatly weak and movement is impaired. While the nourishing and blood-replenishing effects of Shudi Huang are undeniable, it is only suitable for use in cases of post-illness deficiency and true yin deficiency.
11. “Zhenzhu Nang”: Greatly nourishes blood deficiency, opens blood vessels, and increases vitality.
12. Wang Haogu: Indicated for those who want to rise but cannot, with blurred vision.
13. “Gangmu”: Fills the marrow, promotes muscle growth, generates essence and blood, nourishes the five organs, treats internal injuries, opens blood vessels, benefits the ears and eyes, darkens hair, and treats various women’s issues and postpartum conditions.
14. “Bencao Xinbian”: Nourishes kidney water, fills the marrow, opens blood vessels, nourishes true yin, sharpens hearing and vision, darkens hair. It also nourishes spleen yin, stops chronic diarrhea, treats labor injuries, wind-dampness, yin deficiency with fever, dry cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and feelings of emptiness in the stomach, and is a major herb for nourishing water.
【Pharmacological Effects of Shudi Huang】
1. The effect of Shudi Huang on delaying aging in mice: A 20% water decoction of Shudi Huang was administered to mice at a dose of 0.3 ml daily for 45 days, followed by euthanasia and blood collection to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. The results showed that Shudi Huang could enhance GSH-Px activity and reduce serum LPO levels, with P values of <0.05 and <0.01 compared to the control group.
2. Effects on hyperthyroid-type yin-deficient rats: Triiodothyronine (T3) was used to induce a yin-deficient model in rats, and they were given a 3 ml (70% concentration) water decoction of Shudi Huang for 6 days, followed by measurement of various data. The results showed no significant differences in signs, weight changes, 24-hour water intake and urine output, or plasma concentrations of hormones: T3, thyroxine (T4), and aldosterone (AD) between the normal control group and the treatment group before and after treatment (P>0.05). However, after modeling, the yin-deficient group showed significant changes compared to the normal group, such as increased excitement and aggression, weight loss, increased 24-hour water intake and drinking, elevated T3 levels, and decreased T4 and AD levels. After administration of Shudi Huang, the above symptoms and indicators significantly improved, approaching normal levels (compared to the yin-deficient group). The plasma AD levels in the Shudi Huang group were significantly elevated (P<0.05), and the 24-hour urine output significantly decreased (P<0.01), indicating that Shudi Huang has a nourishing effect on kidney yin and is related to the improvement of AD levels in the body. The plasma T3 and T4 levels in the yin-deficient treatment group showed significant improvement (T3 levels decreased, T4 levels increased) and approached normal levels. This indicates that Shudi Huang can not only improve yin deficiency symptoms through systemic regulation but also regulate abnormal thyroid hormone levels. However, the treatment group still showed significant differences compared to the normal group in terms of weight changes, 24-hour water intake, and plasma T3 and T4 levels, indicating that although the treatment group showed significant improvements compared to the yin-deficient group, it did not fully return to normal, suggesting that the effects of Shudi Huang still have limitations.
3. Experimental observation of the blood-nourishing effect of Shudi Huang: A 1:1 water decoction of raw and cooked Dihuang was administered to mice to observe its effects on blood loss anemia, hematopoietic stem cells, and bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells (CFU-E) generation. The results showed that both raw and cooked Dihuang had significant effects on blood loss in mice, with the cooked Dihuang group recovering faster after 8 days, with RBC and Hb counts showing P values of 0.001 and 0.01 compared to the control group. Both raw and cooked Dihuang also had a certain proliferative and differentiating effect on hematopoietic stem cells, suggesting that the blood-nourishing effect of Dihuang is related to the promotion of blood cell production from hematopoietic stem cells. In terms of the generation of erythroid progenitor cells in the mouse bone marrow: the saline group had an erythroid colony count of 52.4±18.41, while the raw and cooked groups had counts of 60.2±19.44 and 125±20.45 (P<0.05). This suggests that the blood-nourishing effect of Dihuang is closely related to the bone marrow hematopoietic system.
4. The effect of charcoal processing on the hemostatic effect: The decoctions of raw Dihuang, raw Dihuang charcoal, cooked Dihuang, and cooked Dihuang charcoal were prepared, each containing 100 g of raw herb or 33 g of charcoal per 100 ml of decoction. Each sample was administered at a dose of 0.8 ml/20 g to mice, and blood was collected from the left eye’s inner canthus and the retro-orbital venous plexus to measure coagulation time and compare with the saline group. The results showed no significant differences (P>0.05), suggesting that Dihuang does not require processing for hemostatic effects.
【Nutritional Knowledge of Shudi Huang】
Introduction to Shudi Huang:
Shengdi is steamed until black and shiny, becoming Shudi Huang. This product is irregularly shaped, varying in size, with a black and shiny appearance inside and out, and a wrinkled and uneven surface. The cross-section is moist, and the center shows shiny, oily blocks, very sticky, and soft in texture, with a mild aroma and sweet taste. The best quality has a large, soft, moist tuber with a shiny black appearance.
Nutritional Analysis of Shudi Huang:
Nourishes blood and moistens yin, benefits essence and fills marrow. It is indicated for liver and kidney yin deficiency, lower back and knee weakness, bone steaming with tidal fever, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, internal heat with thirst, blood deficiency with sallow complexion, palpitations, menstrual irregularities, excessive bleeding, dizziness, tinnitus, and premature graying of hair.
Additional Information on Shudi Huang: Shudi Huang is generally sold as a whole product without grading. The best quality is large, heavy, soft, oily, with a black cross-section and sweet taste. The best comes from Huaiqing in Henan, one of the four major Huai medicines. Shudi Huang can be categorized based on different processing methods, including steamed Shudi Huang, wine-prepared Shudi Huang, ginger wine-prepared Shudi Huang, sand-processed Shudi Huang, and Shudi Huang charcoal. After processing, store Shudi Huang in a dry container, sealed, in a cool and dry place to prevent mold and insect damage.
Suitable Population for Shudi Huang:
This product is sticky and may hinder digestion, so it should be avoided by those with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi stagnation with excessive phlegm, abdominal fullness, and loose stools.
Culinary Effects of Shudi Huang:
Sweet, slightly warm. Enters the liver and kidney meridians. It enters the blood division, with a soft and moist quality.
Shudi Huang has cardiotonic, diuretic, blood sugar-lowering, and peripheral white blood cell-increasing effects, enhancing immune function.
Preparation Guidance for Shudi Huang:
For blood deficiency and lack of nourishment to the heart and spleen, with a sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia, it is advisable to use it with Angelica; for liver and kidney yin deficiency, with dizziness, tinnitus, lower back and knee weakness, night sweats, and nocturnal emissions, it can be combined with Shanzhuyu, yam, and Mudanpi; if adding Zhimu and Huangbai, it can treat yin deficiency with excessive fire, bone steaming with tidal fever, night sweats, and nocturnal emissions, with a strong pulse.