Rhizoma Rehmanniae is the dried root of the plant Rehmannia glutinosa, also known as Shu Di Huang or Fu Di. It is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine with many nourishing effects, but there are also many precautions when taking it. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to the efficacy, actions, and precautions of Rhizoma Rehmanniae.
Nourishing Deficiency
Rhizoma Rehmanniae is sweet and warm, nourishing yin and enriching essence to generate blood. It is an essential medicine for nourishing blood and replenishing deficiency. It is used to treat dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, as well as menstrual disorders such as irregular menstruation and excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Nourishing Kidney
Rhizoma Rehmanniae nourishes the kidneys, moisturizes dryness, nourishes kidney yin, and replenishes essence and marrow. It is an important medicine for nourishing kidney yin. It can treat liver and kidney yin deficiency, lumbago, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, tinnitus, deafness, and polydipsia.
Nourishing Blood
The decoction of Rhizoma Rehmanniae can promote the recovery of red blood cells and hemoglobin, accelerate the proliferation and differentiation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow progenitor cells, and has a blood-nourishing effect.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Rhizoma Rehmanniae has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system. Both wine-processed and steamed Rhizoma Rehmanniae have a significant antihypertensive effect, with significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Anti-aging
Rhizoma Rehmanniae can effectively prevent premature cell aging, enhance cellular function, and delay aging. It is one of the best anti-aging drugs.
Enhancing Immunity
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Rhizoma Rehmanniae can enhance the body's immune system and enhance its ability to resist diseases. It has a good effect on strengthening the body and promoting health.
Strengthening the Heart and Diuresis
Rhizoma Rehmanniae has a cardiotonic and diuretic effect, especially for individuals with weak heart conditions. Rhizoma Rehmanniae can strengthen the heart. When combined with Akebia, the diuretic effect is enhanced.
Inhibiting Thrombosis
Rhizoma Rehmanniae can significantly inhibit hepatic hemorrhagic necrosis and simple necrosis, and it has an inhibitory effect on thrombus formation caused by high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and fatty liver.
Nutritional Value
Rhizoma Rehmanniae mainly contains catalpol (three times the content of raw Rhizoma Rehmanniae, and the black color of processed Rhizoma Rehmanniae may be related to the decomposition of catalpol), glycosides, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, dihydroxy stilbene, mannitol, Rehmannia polysaccharides, amino acids, alkaloids, fatty acids, and vitamin A.
1. Rhizoma Rehmanniae polysaccharides participate in maintaining body stability and have significant anti-tumor effects. They can induce the proliferation of immune cells in the body and enhance their ability to kill tumor cells. The Rhizoma Rehmanniae contains mannose tritannins, which promote hematopoietic cell proliferation, enhance immunity, lower blood sugar, and have anti-tumor effects.
2. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in Rhizoma Rehmanniae is one of the quantitative indicators for quality control. It has the function of anti-oxidative stress damage and can improve learning and memory to a certain extent.
3. The main component of Rhizoma Rehmanniae, dihydroxy stilbene, has a significant protective effect on glutamate-induced damage to hippocampal neurons, and the protective effect increases with increasing concentration.
Precautions for Taking Rhizoma Rehmanniae
1. Rhizoma Rehmanniae has a sticky nature that hinders digestion. It should not be taken by those with weak spleen and stomach, qi stagnation, phlegm accumulation, abdominal distension, and poor appetite with loose stools.
2. Rhizoma Rehmanniae has the effect of nourishing blood and enriching yin, and it is relatively mild. Pregnant women can consume Rhizoma Rehmanniae without affecting their health and the normal development of the fetus. It can also have a certain nourishing effect. However, Rhizoma Rehmanniae is sticky and should not be consumed in excessive amounts at once.
3. Rhizoma Rehmanniae is a medicinal herb and is not suitable for infants and young children. If medication is needed due to physical discomfort, it is necessary to follow the advice of a Chinese medicine practitioner and not take it alone, as it may be harmful to the body.
