Processed Radix Rehmanniae Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia
Also known as Shu Di
Materia Medica Data
- Category
- Herbs that Tonify Blood
- Temperature
- Slightly Warm
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Slightly Warm
- Channels Entered
- LIV, KI, (HT)
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Processed Radix Rehmanniae
- Chinese
- 熟地黄
- Tone Marks
- shú dì huáng
- Also Known As
- Shu Di
- Translation
- Cooked Earth Yellow
Chinese Herb Actions
- Strongly Nourishes the Blood For Blood Deficiency presenting with dizziness, pale or sallow complexion, palpitations, and insomnia. Also for irregular menstruation due to Blood Deficiency.
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin For Yin Deficiency with weak and aching lower back and knees, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss, night sweats, tidal fever, 5 palm heat, nocturnal emissions, a weak and rapid pulse, and a peeled tongue coating.
- Tonifies Yin This herb is effective at treating Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome), especially with frequent or excessive urination. It can be used alone for this purpose.
- Nourishes Jing (Essence) and Fortifies Marrow In adults, this herb can be used for premature graying of the hair, impotence, and poor memory. In children, Shu Di Huang can be used to treat developmental and growth disorders.
- Stops Cough and Arrests Wheezing Used when symptoms of cough, asthma, shortness of breath, and wheezing are due to Kidney Deficiency and it's inability to grasp the Qi.
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 10-30 grams in decoction 12
- 9-30 grams 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Shu Di Huang is a rich and cloying herb, and consuption can easily lead to Qi, Blood, and/or Damp Stagnation.
- It should be used to treat conditions of Blood Deficiency and not Blood Stagnation.
- The cloying nature of this herb also disturbs digestion and should not be used with Spleen and/or Stomach Deficiency.
- Do not use with excess Damp, Phlegm, or Qi Stagnation.
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- A single report of a skin reaction has been associated with taking this herb. 13
Herb-Drug Interactions
- None Noted
Chinese Herb Notes
- Shu Di Huang can be charred to enhance its stop bleeding quality.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
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