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More
Information:
Other
Common Names
Rehmannia, Prepared ; Steamed Rehmannia
Page
Number In Radiant Health
179
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Radix Rehmanniae praparatae
Pinyin
Shu Di Huang (Shu Di)
Treasures
Yin Jing and Blood
Treasure
Rating
*****
Atmospheric
Energy
Slightly Warm
Organ
Meridian Systems
Kidney, Liver and heart
Part
Used and Form
Tuberous root
Primary
Functions
To tonify the Kidneys and nourish yin jing.
Qualities
Rehmannia is said to be the “Kidney’s own food.”
It is a fundamental Kidney tonic in Chinese tonic
herbalism, and is considered to be a primary longevity
herb. It is found in a great many common
“anti-aging” formulations. It is considered
rejuvenating and life lengthening.
Steamed Rehmannia is a fundamental Yin Jing tonic,
providing Yin directly to the Kidney. It is quick and
effective. Steamed Rehmannia is said to benefit sexual
functions in men and women and is included in almost
every formula that is designed to strengthen
reproductive functions, including fertility. It forms
the Yin base of many men’s potency formulas. In such
formulas, Steamed Rehmannia may be combined with a whole
range of tonic herbs, including super tonics such as
Deer Antler, Gecko, Ginseng, Astragalus.
Prepared Rehmannia is a major blood tonic. This is of
course of special importance to women, who always need
to rebuild blood. Steamed Rehmannia, when combined with
Dang Gui, Ligusticum and Peony forms the quintessential
women’s herbal combination. Prepared Rehmannia is said
to be warm in nature and thus warms up the uterus in
women. A “cold uterus” will result in painful
menstruation and infertility.
Steamed Rehmannia, when used as a tonic, is usually
combined with Qi tonics to improve its assimilation. It
is routinely combined with Dang Gui to produce blood. It
is also commonly combined with Astragalus, Gecko, and
Deer Antler, as well as more common tonic herbs in tonic
formulations.
Primary
Combinations
Prepared Rehmannia is never used alone. Combine with:
1. Tang Gui and White Peony to build blood and Kidney
yin
2. Asparagus root to tonify yin, build blood and calm
the heart
3. Ophiopogon to build Kidney yin and to remove heat in
the upper warmer
4. Cuscuta seed to tonify the Kidney and Liver
5. Ophiopogon and Cuscuta seed to tonify the Heart,
Kidney, Jing and blood
Varieties
and Grading
There are two fundamental varieties of Rehmannia used in
Chinese herbalism: prepared and raw. Raw Rehmannia has
simply been dried. It has a cold nature and is not
particularly tonic (its tonic nature has not been
activated). Raw Rehmannia is used primarily in medicinal
herbalism to cool down inflammatory conditions. Prepared
Rehmannia is highly tonic. It has been prepared by
soaking in a special blend of wine (which itself has
been specially prepared with Amomi and Tangerine peel),
and then steaming and sun drying. The Rehmannia becomes
deep black, soft and sticky. It is sold in slices in
most markets for easily handling. Most Prepared
Rehmannia sold in America is of high quality. It may be
tasted raw. It will be soft, easily chew, fine in
texture and very sweet.
Contraindications
Rehmannia is considered to be “greasy” and
“slippery,” which means that it can cause loose
stool in people with weak digestive systems. That is why
it should be combined with Qi tonics. Use cautiously if
prone to diarrhea and replace it with Polygonum if loose
stools continue to occur.
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Rehmannia
is said to be the "Kidney’s own food." It is
thus believed to be a Kidney tonic and longevity herb
and is found in many common "anti-aging"
formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is also
considered a premium blood tonic and is said to benefit
sexual functions in men and women. The steamed variety
is said to be warm in nature. The raw variety has a cold
energy, and though it acts upon the Kidney, it does not
have the tonic qualities associated with the steamed
Rehmannia. Steamed Rehmannia used as a tonic should be
combined with Chi tonics to improve its assimilation.