Yesterday, my family made a soup with cooked Rehmannia glutinosa, and after drinking it, I had a bit of diarrhea. I'm not sure if it's because of the Rehmannia glutinosa, so I wanted to ask if eating Rehmannia glutinosa can cause diarrhea.
Does eating Rehmannia glutinosa cause diarrhea?
People with weak spleen and stomach may experience diarrhea after taking it.
Rehmannia glutinosa is a highly valued medicinal herb. It has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature. It has the functions of nourishing blood and nourishing yin, filling essence and enriching marrow, etc. It can be used to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, night sweats, blood deficiency and yellowing, irregular menstruation, and other symptoms.
Due to the sticky quality of Rehmannia glutinosa, it hinders digestion. If your own spleen and stomach function is weak, such as bloating, loss of appetite, and loose stools, it may be difficult for the weak digestive system to digest Rehmannia glutinosa, which may cause symptoms of diarrhea.
What to do if you have diarrhea after eating Rehmannia glutinosa
1. Stop taking Rehmannia glutinosa
If you experience diarrhea after taking Rehmannia glutinosa, you should stop taking it to avoid worsening the symptoms. If the diarrhea is mild, stopping the intake of Rehmannia glutinosa for a period of time will usually naturally relieve the diarrhea without the need for other special treatments.
2. Drink plenty of diluted saline water
If diarrhea has already occurred, it is recommended to drink plenty of diluted saline water. On the one hand, this can help dilute the content of Rehmannia glutinosa in the body to prevent further aggravation of the symptoms. On the other hand, it can prevent dehydration.
3. Seek medical attention
If the diarrhea symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately for symptomatic treatment such as anti-diarrhea and fluid replacement, in order to prevent further aggravation of the symptoms or other adverse consequences.
Who should not eat Rehmannia glutinosa
1. People with qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation
For example, local body lumps, chest tightness, rib pain, and slippery pulse. Rehmannia glutinosa has a nourishing and greasy nature and is not easily digested. People with qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation may experience worsening of phlegm dampness symptoms if they take Rehmannia glutinosa, leading to discomfort.
2. People with loose stools or diarrhea
People with symptoms such as loose stools or diarrhea should not eat Rehmannia glutinosa. The sticky quality of Rehmannia glutinosa can further hinder the digestion and transformation function of the spleen and stomach, leading to worsened symptoms of loose stools or diarrhea.
3. People with colds
People with colds should not eat Rehmannia glutinosa. According to traditional Chinese medicine, colds are caused by the invasion of external pathogens. It is not suitable to tonify the body during a cold. Rehmannia glutinosa is a tonic herb, and taking it during a cold can worsen the symptoms or prolong the duration of the cold.
Precautions for eating Rehmannia glutinosa
1. Do not take excessive amounts
Rehmannia glutinosa is a type of Chinese medicinal herb with specified dosage requirements. Taking too much of it cannot be fully absorbed by the body, and it may hinder the function of the spleen and stomach. The general dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa is 10-30 grams. If used for disease treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor for detailed dosage and follow their guidance.
2. Do not eat it together with radishes and "three whites"
"Bencao Pinhui Jingyao" records: "Avoid radishes, white onion, white chives, and white garlic." Radishes have the function of reducing qi, and the "three whites" have a pungent taste and strong dispersing effects. Taking Rehmannia glutinosa together with them can reduce the nourishing effect of Rehmannia glutinosa.
3. Avoid copper and iron utensils when decocting
"Ya Jian" says: "If violated by iron utensils, it will consume the kidneys." When decocting Rehmannia glutinosa, it is best to avoid using copper or iron utensils. Rehmannia glutinosa is a Chinese medicinal herb and may react with copper or iron, which can reduce its efficacy or produce substances that are harmful to the human body, affecting human health.
How to eat Rehmannia glutinosa
Rehmannia Wine
Ingredients: 120 grams of Rehmannia glutinosa, 60 grams of Chinese wolfberry, 1500 milliliters of white wine.
1. Cut the Rehmannia glutinosa into pieces, grind the Chinese wolfberry, and wrap them in a cloth bag.
2. Pour the white wine into a wine jar.
3. Put the medicine bag in, seal it, and shake well.
4. Let it sit in a cool and dry place, shaking it once a day.
5. It can be consumed after about 15 days.
6. Take 15-20 milliliters at a time, 2-3 times a day.
Rehmannia Beef Spine Soup
Ingredients: 30 grams of Rehmannia glutinosa, 500 grams of beef spine bones, salt, and monosodium glutamate to taste.
1. Wash the Rehmannia glutinosa and put it in a small cloth bag.
2. Wash the beef spine bones and cut them into small pieces.
3. Put the Rehmannia glutinosa and beef spine bones in a pot.
4. Add about 1000 milliliters of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about 1 hour.
6. Remove the Rehmannia glutinosa, add salt and monosodium glutamate to season, and it's ready to serve.
