Rehmannia
Rehmannia (Di Huang)
Botanical Name: Rehmannia glutinosa
Rehmannia is famous in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for its ability to Cool the Blood, Nourish Yin, and Tonify Jing (Essence). Among its many applications, it is used to Build Blood, treat menstrual and fertility issues, support digestion, and promote overall health. It is also popularly used as a culinary herb.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Rehmannia and Figwort, What’s The Difference?
Below is an overview of rehmannia, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of rehmannia.
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Western
Western Name: Rehmannia
Also Known As: Chinese Foxglove
Organs/Systems: Blood, Uterus, Bones, Cardiovascular
Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Tonic, Analgesic, Depurative, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Cardiotonic, Antihypertensive, Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective, and Increases Serum Levels of Adrenocortical Hormones, Boosts Immune System
Medicinal Uses: Anemia, menopause, menses, osteoporosis, palpitations, urinary retention, edema, tonic, boost immunity, lowers blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, osteoporosis.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Di Huang
Also Known As: Shu Di Huang (“cooked yellow earth”, prepared Rehmannia), Xian Di Huang (Fresh Rehmannia), Sheng Di Huang (Dried Rehmannia)
Meridians: Heart, Kidney, Liver
Key Actions: Tonifies Blood, Nourishes Yin, Tonifies Essence (Jing), Nourishes the Marrow, Tonifies the Kidneys, Stops Bleeding, Promotes Muscle and Tendon Growth
Medicinal Uses: Anemia, pale, dizziness, asthma, palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular menses, menopause, impotence, infertility, uterine bleeding, postpartum bleeding, kidney Yin deficiency, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, steaming bone disorder, wasting and thirsting disorders (i.e. diabetes or tuberculosis), obesity, kidney disease, injuries, low back pain, weakness in lower extremities, Hot Damp skin conditions, lightheadedness, premature graying hair due to blood loss, supports bone and tendon repair and growth.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Rehmannia is a genus of six species of flowering plants in the order of Lamiales. The genus is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family in some older classifications. The plant has large purplish pink flowers.
It likes well-drained ground along roadsides in the woods, mountain slopes, and trail sides near sea level and a bit higher. Its native range is East Asia, Northern China, and Korea.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Root (Dried, Fresh, or Prepared)
Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Cold
Caution: Considered safe
Key Constituents: Iridoid glycosides, Catalpol, Iridoids, Sucrose, Galactose, Fructose, Glucose, Mannitol, Verbasocose, Vitamins A, B, C, and D, Amino acids, Zinc
History/Folklore:
The species name, glutinosa comes from glutinous, referring to the sticky nature of the root. Rehmannia is closely related to another herb in the Scrophulariaceae family, Scrophularia ningpoensis. The names of both plants are noted to be a part of an older classification. Today, Rhemannia is considered a member of the order of Lamiales. Both herbs are commonly used in China, though rehmannia, which is stronger, is used far more frequently. Rehmannia is sweet and cold and Scrophularia is bitter and cold. They are similar in their ability to treat conditions that are Hot in nature. They often appear together in formulas for this reason.
In China, its name translates as cooked yellow earth. It is often called Chinese Foxglove due to its superficial resemblance to the genus Digitalis.
Rehmannia is famous for treating broken bones and severed or damaged sinew, by expelling blood impediments, replenishing bone marrow, and promoting the growth of muscles and flesh.
Its sweet sticky nature is said to help calm and settle Qi, helping to draw it Downward so Qi can rise again in its more natural and regular pathways. Rehmannia is classified as a Downward Draining Herb. Such herbs stimulate or lubricate the gastrointestinal tract to facilitate bowel movements. The large quantities of sugar in rehmannia can overwhelm the digestion giving a person a heavy feeling or slight nausea. Preparations and other herbs can combine with it, to help counteract this possible effect.
Catalpol, one of the plant’s main constituents, makes up 3-11% of the fresh root (depending on growing conditions) and only 1-2% of the dried root. It appears that catalpol stimulates the production of adrenal cortical hormones. These hormones have anti-inflammatory properties for treating asthma, skin diseases, and arthritis. Catalpol is also involved in the production of sex hormones, explaining its use for treating menopause and impotence. New studies are indicating that catalpol may prevent cell death caused by neurodegenerative disorders.
Rehmannia is said to help re-balance Yin in the body.
Fresh and dried rehmannia have estrogenic activities mainly mediated by ERß (a type of estrogen receptor found in the skin). Fresh Rehmannia is considered to have higher estrogenic activity than dried Rehmannia. The root improves extracellular matrix production and epidermal differentiation by up-regulation of estrogen receptors. As estrogen is essential for skin to function properly and as it decreases with aging, Rehmannia’s ability to stimulate ERß aids skin health. Prepared Rehmannia does not appear to have estrogenic properties.
Traditionally, it is prepared with yellow wine and black beans. Sheng Di Huang is rehmannia root baked till nearly dry and then kneaded into small balls. It is primarily used to Clear Heat from the Blood, Stop Bleeding, Dissolve Damp, and Nourish Yin and Body Fluids. Xian Di Huang is fresh, newly-harvested rehmannia used to Clear Accumulations and function as a laxative. Shu Di Huang is prepared rehmannia, referring to the dried root, steamed to a black color, re-dried, and used to Nourish Yin, Jing, and Marrow. Shu Di Huang is often steamed in wine until both the insides and outsides turn black and moist, sometimes vinegar is used instead. This preparation is often used to treat Blood Stagnation due to trauma. When the herb is charred it is best for Stopping Bleeding and Harmonizing Blood. Topically, Rehmannia is powdered or used as a wash to treat burns, injuries, and other Damp Heat skin conditions.
Cook Rehmannia for 5-10 minutes, even the raw variety, and it will become more effective for treating constipation. Only small amounts are necessary. Cooking longer, will remove the laxative properties and support the Clearing of Heat from Blood without causing diarrhea
Ornamental Flower
Rehmannia’s large flowers attract hummingbirds and contribute to the plant’s popularity as an ornamental flower in European and North American gardens.
Prevent Indigestion
Rehmannia is often prepared with cardamom or ginger to prevent possible indigestion caused by its sweet and sticky nature.
Rehmannia Six
The classic Chinese formula, Rehmannia Six, is considered one of the most important and commonly used Yin and Essence (Jing) Tonics.
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