Shudi Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa), as a traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history and is known as a “good medicine for nourishing blood.” Its efficacy and functions are very rich, widely used to assist with symptoms of liver and kidney yin deficiency, women’s blood deficiency, anemia, and sallow complexion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shudi Huang is classified as a blood-nourishing and yin-replenishing herb, with its main functions being to nourish yin and blood, benefit the kidneys and fill essence, and clear heat and generate fluids. Let us learn about the efficacy and functions of Shudi Huang and its contraindications.
Shudi Huang is also known as Shudi (《景岳全书》).Plant MorphologyShudi Huang is a perennial herb, growing 10-40 cm tall. The entire plant is covered with grayish-white long soft hairs and glandular hairs. The roots are thick, fleshy, tuberous, cylindrical, or spindle-shaped. The stem is erect, single or branched at the base. The basal leaves are clustered, with leaf blades ovate-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 surface and irregular serrated edges; the stem leaves are smaller. The flower stalk is erect, hairy, and has a racemose inflorescence at the upper part of the stem; the bracts are leaf-like, either well-developed or degenerated; the calyx is bell-shaped, with 5 lobes at the tip, the lobes are 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, the tip is 5 shallowly lobed, slightly bilabiate; there are 4 stamens, two strong, with forked anthers at the base; 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 persistent styles, surrounded by the persistent calyx. The seeds are numerous. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruiting period is from May to June.It is the tuberous root of the plant Rehmannia, processed by steaming and drying.
Preparation Shudi Huang Carbonization: Take Shudi Huang and place it in a calcining pot, filling it to 80% full, cover with another pot, seal the joint with yellow clay, and place a heavy object on top. When the white paper stuck to the bottom of the pot turns yellowish brown, block the vent and let it cool. Remove it; alternatively, Shudi Huang can be directly stir-fried to carbonize. Take dried Shudi Huang, add 30% yellow wine, mix, and steam in a steamer until it is black and shiny inside and out, then dry it. Or take dried Shudi Huang, steam it in a steamer for 8 hours, then let it cool overnight, flip it over and steam for another 4-8 hours, then let it cool overnight, remove it, dry until 80% dry, slice, and then dry again.
Meridian Affinity Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians
Properties and Flavor Sweet flavor; warm nature
Precautions Contraindicated for those with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi stagnation with phlegm, abdominal fullness, and loose stools.
Main Functions and Indications Nourishes blood and moistens; benefits essence and fills marrow. Indicated for blood deficiency, sallow complexion; dizziness and palpitations; irregular menstruation; excessive uterine bleeding; liver and kidney yin deficiency; tidal fever and night sweats; nocturnal emissions and impotence; infertility; soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees; tinnitus and deafness; dizziness and blurred vision; premature graying of hair; diabetes; constipation; kidney deficiency with shortness of breath.
Dosage and Administration Internal use: decoction, 10-30g; or in pills or powders; or as a syrup, or soaked in wine.
The Efficacy and Functions of Shudi Huang
1. The most prominent effect of Shudi Huang is its ability to nourish yin and blood. When the body’s yin and blood are insufficient, various gynecological, and dermatological issues may arise, and Shudi Huang has a good therapeutic effect on these problems. At the same time, Shudi Huang can also replenish the essence of the liver and kidneys, providing sufficient energy and vitality to the body, keeping internal functions in optimal condition.
2. Shudi Huang also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-regulating effects. It contains various effective substances that can promote the body’s immune response, thus combating external viruses, bacteria, and other invasions, protecting the health of the body.
3. Shudi Huang is also a good nutritional supplement. It contains various nutrients required by the human body, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Long-term use of Shudi Huang can nourish the body and enhance immunity.
What are the Contraindications of Shudi Huang?
Firstly, individuals with damp-heat symptoms should not consume Shudi Huang, as its warm and tonifying nature may exacerbate the condition by causing dampness to accumulate. Secondly, those with frequent urination should also avoid Shudi Huang, as it may irritate the bladder and worsen the frequency.
Additionally, attention should be paid to the dosage when taking Shudi Huang; excessive amounts can lead to toxicity. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Shudi Huang, as it may affect fetal development and the quality of breast milk.
Moreover, individuals with liver and kidney diseases should exercise caution, as excessive consumption of Shudi Huang can burden the liver and kidneys, affecting health. The duration of use should also be controlled within an appropriate range, as prolonged use may lead to side effects.
In summary, while Shudi Huang has many beneficial effects, it is essential to be aware of its contraindications and control the dosage and duration of use. Only through scientific and rational use can one achieve better health and supportive effects.
Note:This account aims to promote TCM culture, and the TCM knowledge mentioned in the text is for learning and exchange purposes only.
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