Rehmannia glutinosa (熟地黄, Shú Dì Huáng) is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), derived from the dried root of the plant. After processing, impurities are removed, and the root is cleaned, steamed, and then dried or simmered until dry. It has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature, and it enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney meridians, providing functions such as nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, replenishing blood, and strengthening the body.The efficacy and uses of Rehmannia glutinosa are primarily reflected in the following aspects:
Rehmannia glutinosa‘s efficacy and uses
1. Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness: Rehmannia glutinosa can provide Yin fluids to the body, used to treat symptoms caused by Yin and blood deficiency, such as dry mouth and throat, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, and heat sensations. It has a good restorative effect for those suffering from physical depletion due to excessive mental work and stress.
2. Blood Replenishment: In TCM theory, blood and Yin fluids are closely related. Rehmannia glutinosa indirectly plays a role in replenishing blood by nourishing Yin fluids, suitable for symptoms of blood deficiency such as pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and irregular menstruation.
3. Strengthening Effect: Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that Rehmannia glutinosa has the effect of replenishing Kidney essence and strengthening bones and muscles, used to treat issues caused by Kidney deficiency such as lower back and knee weakness, premature ejaculation, and premature graying of hair.
4. Nourishing the Liver and Brightening the Eyes: Rehmannia glutinosa can nourish Liver Yin, having a certain therapeutic effect on eye diseases caused by insufficient Liver blood, such as blurred vision and night blindness.
5. Regulating Menstruation and Stopping Bleeding: Rehmannia glutinosa is also commonly used to treat women’s menstrual irregularities, excessive or insufficient menstrual flow.
6. Anti-Aging Effect: Various effective components in Rehmannia glutinosa, such as polysaccharides and amino acids, can improve bodily functions and have certain anti-aging effects.
It is important to note that although Rehmannia glutinosa has various efficacies and uses, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency and diarrhea should avoid using it, as Yin-nourishing herbs may exacerbate symptoms of dampness obstructing the Spleen and Stomach. Additionally, it is best to consult a professional TCM practitioner before use to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Rehmannia glutinosa‘s Contraindicated Populations
Rehmannia glutinosa is a commonly used herb in TCM, derived from the dried root of the plant, belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, with functions such as nourishing Yin, replenishing blood, and moisturizing the skin. However, it is not suitable for all populations. Below are specific contraindicated groups for Rehmannia glutinosa.
1. Individuals with Yang Deficiency: Due to the strong Yin-nourishing properties of Rehmannia glutinosa, it may exacerbate the cold sensation in individuals with Yang deficiency, characterized by cold intolerance, cold extremities, pale complexion, and lethargy. Therefore, those with Yang deficiency should avoid consuming it.
2. Patients with Cold and Fever: During a cold or fever, especially with symptoms of external wind-heat, using Rehmannia glutinosa may hinder the body’s righteous Qi and obstruct the expulsion of pathogenic factors. Therefore, patients with fever or symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and thirst should avoid using Rehmannia glutinosa.
3. Individuals with Spleen and Stomach Dampness: Those with Spleen and Stomach dampness often exhibit symptoms such as poor digestion, loss of appetite, and loose stools. The nourishing properties of Rehmannia glutinosa may worsen dampness, further affecting digestive function. Thus, this group should use it cautiously.
4. Individuals with Phlegm-Damp Constitution: Those with a phlegm-damp constitution often show characteristics such as easy weight gain, a heavy body, sticky mouth, and a white greasy tongue coating. The moistening nature of Rehmannia glutinosa may exacerbate phlegm-damp conditions, increasing discomfort.
5. Individuals with Loose Stools: If a patient has issues with loose stools, such as diarrhea or thin stools, using Rehmannia glutinosa may worsen these symptoms due to its moistening properties, affecting intestinal function.
6. Individuals with Blood Stasis Constitution: Those with blood stasis often experience poor circulation, characterized by fixed pain and purplish spots on the body or face. Although Rehmannia glutinosa has blood-replenishing effects, its Yin-nourishing properties may make blood stasis symptoms more pronounced.
It is important to note that the contraindicated groups listed above do not mean that Rehmannia glutinosa cannot be used under any circumstances, but rather that these individuals should use it cautiously without professional assessment and guidance.
Rehmannia glutinosa‘s Consumption Methods
Rehmannia glutinosa primarily functions to nourish Yin and replenish blood, used to treat symptoms caused by Yin and blood deficiency, such as dry cough, heat sensations, night sweats, and tidal fever. Rehmannia glutinosa is typically obtained by processing raw Rehmannia through steaming and drying. Below are several consumption methods for Rehmannia glutinosa:
1. Tea Preparation
Rehmannia glutinosa can be sliced or ground into powder and brewed as tea. Generally, take 5-10 grams of Rehmannia glutinosa, place it in a teacup or teapot, and pour boiling water over it, steeping for 5-10 minutes before drinking. The amount can be adjusted according to personal taste.
2. Rehmannia Glutinosa Porridge
Ingredients include Rehmannia glutinosa (15-30 grams), rice (50-100 grams), and an appropriate amount of water. Clean the Rehmannia glutinosa, place it with rice in a pot, add water, and simmer on low heat until the porridge is cooked. This is suitable for individuals with weak constitutions and symptoms of Yin and blood deficiency.
3. Rehmannia Glutinosa Soup
Select 15-30 grams of Rehmannia glutinosa, and combine it with other nourishing herbs such as Goji berries (枸杞子, Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ), Angelica (当归, Dāng Guī), and Astragalus (黄芪, Huáng Qí) in a clay pot. Add clear water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours. You can also add meat according to personal preference to enhance the soup’s nutrition and flavor.
4. Rehmannia Glutinosa Pills
Grind Rehmannia glutinosa into fine powder, mix it with honey or glutinous rice flour, and roll into small pills. Take a few pills each time, 2-3 times a day, with warm water. This form is suitable for long-term nourishment and is convenient to carry.
5. Rehmannia Glutinosa Ointment
Extract the essence of Rehmannia glutinosa and mix it with a fatty base like petroleum jelly to create an ointment for external use on the skin, providing Yin-nourishing and moisturizing effects. However, this method is not considered a consumption method but rather an external application.