Rehmannia Root
Rehmannia glutinosa
生地黄 / 熟地黄
Pinyin: Shēng Dì Huáng / Shú Dì Huáng
Plant Family
Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
Part Used
Fresh or prepared root
Origin
Henan, Zhejiang, Shanxi provinces of China. "Huai Rehmannia" from Wenxian, Henan is the most famous.
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Rehmannia is a perennial herb with yellow-brown, fleshy tuberous roots. It is one of the most important yin tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is divided into three forms: fresh (Xian Di Huang), raw/dried (Sheng Di Huang), and prepared/processed (Shu Di Huang). Each form has different properties and uses. Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) is the premier blood and essence tonic, produced by steaming the raw root with rice wine (or yellow wine) and drying it - traditionally done nine times.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly warm (prepared), cold (raw)
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter (raw)
Meridians (归经)
heart, liver, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Prepared (Shu Di Huang):
- Tonifies blood - for blood deficiency
- Nourishes kidney yin and jing (essence)
- Fills the marrow and strengthens bones
- For dizziness, palpitations, insomnia from blood deficiency
- Hair loss and premature graying
- Raw (Sheng Di Huang):
- Clears heat and cools the blood
- Generates fluids and stops thirst
- Nourishes yin and clears deficiency heat
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Available as dried slices (raw or prepared), powder, capsules, or liquid extract. Usually used in combination formulas rather than alone. Prepared Rehmannia is quite cloying and heavy - typically combined with digestives like Chen Pi to prevent stagnation.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 9-15g (up to 30g for severe deficiency), simmered 30-60 min. Powder/Capsules: 500-3000mg daily. Prepared form is used for tonification; raw form for heat-cooling.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn, from plants 2-3 years old. Roots are dug, cleaned, and either dried (raw) or processed by steaming with wine (prepared).
Quality Indicators
Prepared (Shu Di Huang): Dark, oily, heavy, and soft; black in color; sweet taste; cross-section shows dark, glistening texture. Raw (Sheng Di Huang): Large, plump roots with blackish-brown exterior and dark yellow interior; soft texture. Wenxian, Henan produces the most famous "Huai Di Huang."
Storage
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. Prepared Rehmannia should be stored carefully to prevent mold growth. Shelf life: 1-2 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Spleen deficiency with poor appetite, loose stools (cloying nature may worsen)Excess phlegm or dampness conditionsAbdominal bloating or distensionRaw form: use cautiously in those with cold/deficient conditionsPregnancy (consult qualified TCM practitioner)
Possible Side Effects
- Digestive upset (bloating, loose stools, nausea) - especially with prepared form
- Loss of appetite
- Generally well-tolerated when properly combined with other herbs
Drug Interactions
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood thinners (mild effect)
- Generally moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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