Description
Prepared Rehmannia Root, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, (Shu Di Huang,熟地黄) is one of the most important Blood and Yin tonics in the TCM pharmacopoeia. It is created by steaming and drying raw Rehmannia root (生地黄, Shēng Dì Huáng), which transforms its nature from cool to warm and its function from clearing heat to powerfully tonifying.
In essence, Prepared Rehmannia Root is a deep, nourishing tonic for the body’s most vital reserves. It is the herb of choice for significant Blood and Yin deficiency, and for strengthening the Kidney and Liver Essence. However, its use requires a strong digestive system or must be carefully paired with other herbs to support digestion.
Slightly warm in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the liver, kidney and heart meridians.
Prepared Rehmannia Root’s functions are deeply nourishing, targeting the body’s most fundamental substances: Blood, Yin, and Jing.
Health Benefits
Tonifies blood, nourishes Yin, tonifies the Kidney Essence (Jing), calms the mind, nourishes essence and fills the marrow. It is often used to treat dizziness, pale complexion, palpitations and insomnia caused by blood deficiency, and is suitable for people with blood deficiency or yin deficiency.
Tonifies Blood (The Premier Blood Tonic) :
Shu Di Huang is the primary herb for treating Blood Deficiency. Symptoms include:
· Pale or sallow complexion
· Dizziness, blurry vision, spots in the visual field
· Palpitations, insomnia
· Pale lips and nails
· Scanty or absent menstruation
Nourishes Yin & Tonifies Kidney Essence (Jing) :
This is its other major function. It enters the Kidney and Liver to nourish the foundational Yin and Essence of the body. It is used for symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency and Essence depletion :
· Dry mouth and throat, thirst
· Low back and knee soreness/weakness
· Tinnitus, dizziness, premature greying of hair, poor memory
A Key Herb for Aging and Constitutional Weakness :
Because it tonifies Jing, it is a cornerstone herb in formulas designed to address age-related decline, infertility, and chronic weakness.
Comparison : Raw vs. Prepared Rehmannia
Raw Rehmannia 生地黄 (Shēng Dì Huáng)
Nature : Cold
Key Actions : Cools the Blood, Stops Bleeding, Generates Fluids, Clears Heat.
Used for : febrile diseases, heat in the blood, bleeding, and thirst.
Prepared Rehmannia 熟地黄 (Shú Dì Huáng)
Nature : Warm
Key Actions : Tonifies Blood, Nourishes Yin, Fills the Essence.
Used for : deficiency patterns, not excess heat patterns.
Precautions
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Spleen Deficiency with Dampness or Poor Digestion: This is the primary contraindication. Prepared Rehmannia Root is very cloying and hard to digest. If the Spleen is weak and unable to transform it, it will create or worsen symptoms like abdominal distension, loose stools, poor appetite, and a sticky tongue coat.
· Qi Stagnation : Its cloying nature can easily stagnate Qi, causing bloating.
· Pregnancy and young children : It is not recommended to use. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), Consultation with a doctor is essential.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary and it is normal if you feel a bit warm after consumption. Keep hydrated with drinking more water after consumption. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
