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The herb Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) is the processed root of the plant from the family Scrophulariaceae, known for its sweet taste and slightly warm nature. It is associated with the Liver and Kidney meridians and is effective in nourishing blood, enriching Yin, benefiting essence, and calming the spirit.Shu Di Huang has long been regarded as a sacred medicine for nourishing blood and Yin. Since the Song Dynasty, its usage has flourished, quickly becoming a key herb in TCM for tonifying Yin, blood, essence, and fluids.
▲ Shu Di Huang Plant
▲ Shu Di Huang Medicinal MaterialNourishing BloodThis herb has a sweet taste and moist quality, primarily entering the Liver and Kidney meridians. The Liver stores blood, and the Kidneys store essence; both are Yin substances. This herb can both nourish blood and benefit essence, and it has been recognized by physicians throughout history as a key herb for blood nourishment, as noted in the “Ben Cao Bei Yao” which states it is “the superior agent for nourishing blood.” The heart governs blood, the liver stores blood, the spleen regulates blood, and the kidney essence can also transform into blood. If the functions of these four organs are disordered, blood deficiency cannot nourish, leading to symptoms such as pale tongue, white or sallow complexion, pale lips and eyelids, dizziness, and blurred vision. This herb can be used with Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) to nourish blood and generate new blood, as in the formula “Nei Bu Wan” from the “Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang.” Alternatively, it can be combined with Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) to enhance blood nourishing and invigorating effects, as in the “Si Wu Tang” from the “Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang,” which is renowned as a formula that addresses various blood-related ailments. If blood deficiency fails to nourish the eyes, leading to eye pain and inability to see, with photophobia and astringent sensations, this herb can be used with Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Tian Dong (Asparagus cochinchinensis), Chuan Xiong, Niu Xi (Achyranthes bidentata), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata), as in the “Xun Shi Yao Han”‘s “Xiong Gui Bu Xue Tang.” If blood deficiency leads to muscle atrophy and numbness, this herb can be used with Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Mu Guo (Chaenomeles speciosa), Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chuan Xiong, and Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus spinosa), as in the “Yi Zong Jin Jian”‘s “Bu Gan Tang.” This herb not only has excellent nourishing effects for blood deficiency but also works well for both Qi and blood deficiency. For example, in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Liang Yi Gao,” this herb can be combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng) to treat symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, pallor, and a pale tongue with a thin pulse. Alternatively, the ingredients of Liang Yi Gao can be used as a base, combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Bai Zhu to treat Qi and blood deficiency, as in the “Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang”‘s “Shuang He Tang.” Furthermore, formulas like Ba Zhen Tang and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang also prominently feature this herb as a key ingredient for tonifying Qi and blood.The blood-nourishing effects of Shu Di Huang are particularly common in gynecological conditions, such as Qi and blood deficiency, blood sea emptiness, and Chong Ren (the Penetrating and Conception vessels) failing to nourish, leading to late menstruation or scanty pale menstrual flow, or even premature menopause. This herb can be used with Ren Shen and Dang Gui, as in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Da Bu Yuan Jian” and the “Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng”‘s “Zi Xue Tang.” If Qi fails to contain blood, leading to excessive menstrual flow, this herb can be combined with Huang Qi, Ren Shen, and Bai Zhu, as in the “Fu Qing Zhu Nu Ke”‘s “Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang.” Nourishing YinThis herb is moist and excels at nourishing the Yin of the Liver and Kidneys, particularly the Kidney Yin. Kidney Yin is the foundation of the body’s Yin fluids, and when Kidney Yin reaches the five organs, it transforms into the Yin of those organs. If Kidney Yin is deficient, the Yin fluids of the five organs will also be depleted. Zhang Jing Yue, known for his deep understanding of Shu Di Huang’s Yin-nourishing effects, stated in the “Ben Cao Zheng” that “for any deficiency of Yin blood in the meridians, only Shu Di Huang will suffice.” He also noted, “If Yin is deficient and the spirit scatters, it is not enough to rely on Shu Di Huang to gather it; if Yin is deficient and fire rises, it is not enough to rely on Shu Di Huang to descend it; if Yin is deficient and there is agitation, it is not enough to rely on Shu Di Huang to calm it; if Yin is deficient and there is rigidity, it is not enough to rely on Shu Di Huang’s sweetness to soften it; if Yin is deficient and water evil overflows, without Shu Di Huang, how can one control it; if Yin is deficient and true Qi is lost, without Shu Di Huang, how can one return to the source; if Yin is deficient and both essence and blood are damaged, with thin fats remaining, without Shu Di Huang, how can one nourish the stomach and intestines?” This passage comprehensively discusses the therapeutic effects of Shu Di Huang in nourishing Yin and treating diseases. Shu Di Huang not only has excellent nourishing effects for insufficient Liver and Kidney Yin but is also the most suitable treatment for various diseases characterized by Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, as well as for conditions such as Yin deficiency with internal heat, Yin deficiency with Yang rising, and Yin deficiency with excessive fire, and for the heart and kidney not communicating.Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat If the Liver and Kidney Yin fluids are deficient, leading to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, and internal heat rises, symptoms may include lower back pain, weak knees, dizziness, tinnitus, bone steaming heat, heat in the palms and soles, night sweats, thirst, and nocturnal emissions. For these conditions, this herb can be combined with Shan Yu Rou (Cornus officinalis), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Fu Ling (Poria), and Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) to nourish the Liver and Kidneys, as in the “Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue”‘s “Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.” If there is significant empty fire, it can be combined with Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron) as in the “Yi Zong Jin Jian”‘s “Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan” and the “Dan Xi Xin Fa”‘s “Da Bu Yin Wan.” Yin Deficiency with Yang Rising If the Liver and Kidney Yin is deficient, leading to Yang rising, symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, a feeling of emptiness and fogginess in the head, weak lower back and knees, and tinnitus with insomnia. This herb can be combined with Shan Yu Rou, Shan Yao, Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), and Shi Jue Ming (Haliotis) to nourish Yin and subdue Yang, as in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Da Bu Yuan Jian” and the “Ma Zhen Quan Shu”‘s “Qi Ju Di Huang Wan.” Yin Deficiency with Excessive Fire If Yin deficiency leads to excessive fire, causing bleeding symptoms, this herb can nourish Yin and reduce fire. For instance, if Kidney Yin is deficient, leading to internal fire, burning the vessels, resulting in short, red, and bloody urination, or symptoms like epistaxis, gingival bleeding, or skin bleeding, this herb can be used in the “Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan” combined with Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata), Da Ji (Cirsium), and Xiao Ji (Cirsium setosum). The “Wei Sheng Bao Jian” records a formula called Di Huang San, which combines this herb with Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), Gou Qi Zi, Di Gu Pi (Lycium barbarum), and honey to treat recurrent bleeding. Clinical reports indicate that this herb combined with Huai Hua (Sophora japonica), lotus root slices, and Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus orientalis) has been used to treat hemorrhoidal bleeding due to Yin deficiency with excessive fire, achieving a total effective rate of 89.3% in 86 cases.Yin Deficiency with Disharmony of the Five Organs If Kidney Yin is deficient, leading to a lack of communication between the heart and kidneys, resulting in insufficient heart Yin, symptoms may include palpitations, insomnia with many dreams, forgetfulness, and night sweats. This herb can be combined with Bai Zi Ren, Tian Dong, and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus) to nourish Yin, support the heart, and calm the spirit, as in the Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan. If Kidney Yin is deficient, leading to stomach fire rising, resulting in headaches, loose teeth, or even gingival bleeding, this herb can be combined with Shi Gao (Gypsum), Mai Dong, Zhi Mu, and Niu Xi to treat symptoms as in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Yu Nu Jian.” If both Lung and Kidney Yin fluids are deficient, leading to internal fire disturbance, resulting in cough with little phlegm, possible hemoptysis, dry mouth and throat, five palms heat, and red cheeks with night sweats, this herb can be combined with Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Bai He (Lilium), Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria), and Jie Geng (Platycodon) to nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, and clear heat, as in the “Shen Zhai Yi Shu”‘s “Bai He Guo Jin Tang.” Additionally, this herb can be combined with Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) as in the “Mai Wei Di Huang Wan”; or with Ban Xia (Pinellia) and Fu Ling as in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Jin Shui Liu Jun Jian.” Yin Deficiency in Women In women, the liver is considered the source of vitality, thus Liver blood and Kidney Yin are particularly important. Shu Di Huang can nourish blood and enrich Yin, making it a commonly used herb in gynecology. For instance, if Kidney Yin is deficient, leading to insufficient essence and blood, resulting in failure to nourish the Chong and Ren vessels, symptoms may include scanty menstruation, amenorrhea, or irregular bleeding before and after menopause. This herb can be combined with Shan Yao, Gou Qi Zi, and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) as in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Gui Shen Wan,” Zuo Gui Yin, and You Gui Yin. To treat infertility due to insufficient Yin blood, this herb can be used with Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Shan Yu Rou to create the Yang Jing Zhong Yu Tang (from “Fu Qing Zhu Nu Ke”). Alternatively, it can be used with the “Yi Fang Ji Jie”‘s Er Zhi Wan to nourish Yin blood, regulate the Chong, and benefit essence. Modern treatments for various gynecological diseases also utilize this herb, such as the San Huang Hong Re Tang (Shu Di Huang, Hu Huang Lian, Huang Bai, Gui Ban, etc.) to treat menopausal heat symptoms, or in combination with Bai Shao, E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini), and Huang Lian to create the Menopausal Tranquilizing Capsule for treating menopausal syndrome, or with Huang Qin, Bai Zhu, and Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus) to create a formula for treating habitual miscarriage. This illustrates the important role of this herb in treating various gynecological conditions.
Benefiting EssenceKidney essence is a mixture of congenital and acquired essence, closely related to growth, development, reproduction, and various physiological activities. This herb is excellent for benefiting essence and filling the marrow, making it an indispensable medicine for treating Kidney essence deficiency. For instance, if Kidney essence is insufficient, leading to premature aging, early hair loss, dry and unglamorous hair, or premature graying and tooth loss, this herb can be combined with He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), Gou Qi Zi, and Gui Ban Jiao (Testudinis Carapax) to nourish Kidney essence and prevent aging, as in the Shou Wu Wan. For cases of delayed development, short stature, soft bones, and sluggish movements due to insufficient Kidney essence, this herb can be combined with Lu Rong (Cervus nippon), Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax), and Shan Yu Rou to nourish the Kidney and benefit essence, as in the “Yi Zong Jin Jian”‘s “Jia Wei Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.” For men with insufficient Kidney essence leading to low sperm count and women with scanty menstruation and infertility, the “Jing Yue Quan Shu”‘s “Gu Yin Jian” can be used, combining this herb with Ren Shen, Wu Wei Zi, and Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta chinensis) to benefit essence and support Yang, restoring the heavenly essence.Modern pharmacological studies have found that the polysaccharides in Shu Di Huang have excellent antioxidant effects, such as increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in aging animals’ blood, while reducing the levels of lipid peroxidation in plasma, brain, and liver homogenates, thus exhibiting anti-aging effects.Calming the SpiritYin entering into Yang leads to sleep; the heart governs blood and houses the spirit, the liver stores blood and houses the soul, and the kidneys govern essence and have the ability to communicate with the heart spirit. Therefore, when Yin blood is deficient, the functions of the three organs can become disordered, leading to difficulties in falling asleep, vivid dreams, restless sleep, early waking, and inability to fall back asleep. Shu Di Huang nourishes the blood of the heart and liver, enriches the essence of the kidneys, and can cultivate Yin, nourish Yang, and calm the spirit, thus having a calming and sleep-promoting effect.Clinical reports indicate that this herb combined with Huang Lian, Bai Shao, E Jiao, Huang Qin, and Fu Ling to create the Menopausal Tranquilizing Capsule, taken 5 pills three times a day for one month, has shown significant efficacy in treating insomnia. Folk TCM practitioner Ji Ling Hui has treated patients with insomnia lasting over a month using 500 grams of Shu Di Huang and 6 grams of cinnamon, achieving excellent results. The heavy use of this herb, with less cinnamon, aims to nourish Yin blood, harmonize Yin and Yang, and calm the spirit to aid sleep. After learning from this experience, I have clinically used a reduced dosage of Shu Di Huang to 150 grams and cinnamon 3-5 grams, achieving remarkable results. For example, I treated a student who was unable to sleep for several nights due to academic pressure before graduation. Upon examination, his tongue was red with no coating, indicating heart blood deficiency and spirit disconnection. I prescribed 150 grams of Shu Di Huang and 5 grams of cinnamon, and he felt drowsy two hours after taking the medicine, sleeping soundly through the night, and after a few days of adjustment, he recovered. It should be noted that this method is particularly effective for those with Yin blood deficiency and a red tongue with little coating, while those with excessive phlegm-dampness may not respond as well.Modern pharmacological studies have found that the polysaccharide components in the decoction of this herb have an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, enhancing the hypnotic effects of subthreshold doses of pentobarbital sodium and thiopental sodium.Lowering Blood SugarDiabetes generally falls under the category of TCM’s “Xiao Ke” disease, initially characterized by dryness and heat. As the disease progresses, Yin deficiency and dryness-heat may coexist, and in chronic cases, Yin deficiency predominates. Although there are three types of Xiao Ke, they often coexist, and treatment primarily focuses on nourishing Kidney Yin, with additional herbs to nourish the Yin of the lungs and stomach and clear heat. For example, this herb can be combined with Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Mai Dong, Bai He, and Sheng Di Huang to enhance its Yin-nourishing and thirst-quenching effects; with Zhi Mu, Shi Gao, and Niu Xi to enhance its ability to clear stomach heat; and with Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, and Shan Yu Rou to enhance its Yin-nourishing and fire-reducing effects. Reports indicate that the Er Di Er Dong Yang Yin Tang (Shu Di Huang, Sheng Di Huang, Tian Dong, Mai Dong, etc.) has been used to treat 136 cases of type 2 diabetes, with a total effective rate of 93.0% after two treatment courses, significantly higher than the control group.Modern pharmacological studies have found that the oligosaccharides and rehmanniosides in Shu Di Huang have a blood sugar-lowering effect in experimental animals.Preventing DementiaIn recent years, the incidence of vascular dementia and senile dementia in China has been rising annually, placing a significant burden on patients, families, and society. Both vascular dementia and senile dementia fall under the category of TCM’s “Dementia” disease. Since the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, which connects to the brain, this disease often has pathological factors of Kidney essence deficiency in addition to blood stasis and phlegm obstruction. Shu Di Huang nourishes the kidneys and fills essence, benefiting the brain, thus playing an important role in the treatment of this disease. According to the experience of Master Zhang Zhi Yuan, one of the three major clinical effects of Shu Di Huang is to regulate brain atrophy and senile dementia, treating symptoms such as dizziness, significant memory loss, confusion, inability to recognize family members, and difficulty with basic arithmetic. This herb can improve the aging state of brain tissue lacking nutrition, often combined with Dang Gui, Shan Yu Rou, Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Chuan Xiong, Water Leech, San Qi (Panax notoginseng), and Saffron for long-term use, yielding observable effects.Modern pharmacological studies have found that the water decoction of this herb enhances learning and memory, providing modern medical support for its treatment of dementia.Shu Di Huang is commonly used in decoctions at a dosage of 10-30 grams, and in pills or powders as appropriate. Due to its heavy and moist nature, excessive or prolonged use may lead to reduced appetite and aversion to food, so it is often combined with herbs that promote Qi and digestion, such as Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata), Sha Ren (Amomum villosum), and Fo Shou (Citrus medica). Additionally, those with Qi stagnation and excessive phlegm, or those prone to abdominal distension and loose stools should use this herb with caution. (The formulas mentioned in this article should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician.)■【Source: China Traditional Chinese Medicine News, Capital Medical University, Author: Wang Qingguo, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine】You May Also Like, click to read the original text:Dry Eyes in Winter? A Few TCM Tips to Moisturize Your Eyes and Protect Your VisionWarm Your Stomach, Benefit Qi, and Moisturize Your Skin with a Cup of Hot Soy Milk in Winter//////////
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