When I went to see the doctor today, he said that I have a slight deficiency in my kidneys and prescribed some Chinese herbal medicine for me. One of the ingredients in the medicine is processed Rehmannia root. I have always thought that processed Rehmannia root can nourish the blood, so I wanted to ask if it can also treat kidney deficiency?
Can processed Rehmannia root treat kidney deficiency?
Processed Rehmannia root can be used to treat kidney yin deficiency.
Kidney deficiency is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to insufficiency of kidney essence and yin and yang. It is usually divided into kidney yin deficiency and kidney yang deficiency. Processed Rehmannia root has a sweet taste, a slightly warm nature, and enters the liver and kidney meridians. It has the effects of nourishing the blood, nourishing yin, and replenishing the essence. Therefore, processed Rehmannia root can be used to treat various symptoms of liver and kidney yin deficiency, such as sore and weak lower back and knees, night sweats, hot flashes, impotence, spermatorrhea, hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, it does not have therapeutic effects on kidney yang deficiency.
Is processed Rehmannia root effective in treating kidney deficiency?
It has some effect, but the efficacy of single herbs is limited.
Although processed Rehmannia root has certain efficacy in treating kidney yin deficiency, the efficacy of single herbs is generally limited. It is recommended to consult a doctor and combine it with other herbs such as Chinese wolfberry, Chinese yam, and tree peony bark to enhance the liver and kidney nourishing effects.
How to consume processed Rehmannia root for treating kidney deficiency?
Stewed Black Chicken with Processed Rehmannia Root
Ingredients: 1 black chicken, 30g processed Rehmannia root, 20g Chinese wolfberry, ginger, salt, cooking wine as needed.
1. Clean and cut the black chicken into pieces.
2. Rinse the processed Rehmannia root and Chinese wolfberry with water and soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Blanch the black chicken in boiling water for about 5 minutes, remove and rinse off any foam.
4. Put the black chicken, processed Rehmannia root, and Chinese wolfberry into a clay pot.
5. Add ginger and cooking wine.
6. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about 2 hours.
7. Add salt and continue simmering for 5 minutes before serving.
Processed Rehmannia Root and Chinese Wolfberry Wine
Ingredients: 120g processed Rehmannia root, 60g Chinese wolfberry, 1500ml white wine.
1. Slice the processed Rehmannia root and wrap it together with Chinese wolfberry in a cheesecloth bag.
2. Put the processed Rehmannia root and Chinese wolfberry into a wine bottle.
3. Pour in the white wine, seal the bottle, and shake well.
4. Place it in a cool and dry place, shake it once a day.
5. It can be consumed after about 20 days.
6. Drink 15-20ml at a time, 1-2 times a day.
What should be noted when using processed Rehmannia root to treat kidney deficiency?
1. Dosage
The usual dosage of processed Rehmannia root is 10-30g. The specific dosage may vary depending on the condition. It is recommended to consult a doctor for detailed dosage. Excessive consumption is not advisable as processed Rehmannia root has a sticky texture and is not easily digested. Overconsumption may hinder digestion and cause discomfort such as bloating and loose stools.
2. Avoid long-term excessive consumption
Processed Rehmannia root has a sticky texture and is not easily digested. Long-term excessive consumption may hinder digestion and affect the normal functioning of the spleen and stomach. If long-term consumption is required, it is recommended to use it in combination with other herbs that tonify the spleen and nourish the stomach, under the guidance of a doctor, such as tangerine peel and amomum fruit.
3. Avoid using iron utensils when decocting
When decocting processed Rehmannia root, it is advisable to avoid using iron utensils, as the components in processed Rehmannia root may react with iron, thereby reducing its efficacy or producing substances that are detrimental to the body.
4. Avoid consuming with radishes and "the three whites"
"The Essential Guide to Materia Medica" records, "Avoid radishes, white onions, white leeks, and white garlic." Radishes have the function of reducing qi, and the three whites have a strong dispersing effect. Therefore, processed Rehmannia root should not be taken together with them, as it may reduce the nourishing effect of processed Rehmannia root.
Who should not use processed Rehmannia root to treat kidney deficiency?
1. Those with qi stagnation and phlegm excess
As processed Rehmannia root has a sticky texture and is not easily digested, it may aggravate phlegm dampness in individuals with qi stagnation and phlegm excess, leading to increased discomfort symptoms such as excessive phlegm in the throat, chest tightness, and palpitations.
2. Those with weak spleen and stomach
As processed Rehmannia root has a sticky texture and is not easily digested, individuals with weak spleen and stomach may experience increased symptoms of spleen deficiency, such as abdominal distension, poor appetite, and loose stools, when taking processed Rehmannia root.
3. Those with cold or flu
According to traditional Chinese medicine, cold and flu are diseases caused by an invasion of external pathogens that disrupt the function of the lung's defensive energy. During the period of cold or flu, it is not advisable to tonify the body. Processed Rehmannia root is a herb with strong tonifying effects. Taking it during a cold or flu may cause stagnation of pathogenic factors in the body, worsening symptoms or prolonging the illness.
