Orobanchaceae
Rehmannia
Rehmannia glutinosa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: China, Japan, Korea
Also known as: Chinese Foxglove, Di Huang, Shu Di Huang (prepared)
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease support, autoimmune conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory conditions, diabetes, anaemia. Central herb in Chinese tonic formulas (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan).
Herbal Actions
Tonic (yin tonic in TCM), anti-inflammatory, adrenal support, immunomodulator, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic
Active Constituents
Iridoid glycosides (catalpol — primary, aucubin, rehmannioside A-D), polysaccharides (rehmannan), phenylethanoids, amino acids, sugars
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 9–30g dried root (prepared form) simmered 45 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Raw vs prepared (steamed with wine) forms have different properties. Prepared (Shu Di Huang) more tonifying. Central in 8 of the most important TCM formulas. Best used in classical formula context. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Raw form: cold and congestive conditions in TCM. Avoid with poor digestion (greasy, difficult to digest). Caution in spleen deficiency.
Side Effects: GI upset, bloating (raw form — difficult to digest). Prepared form better tolerated. Diarrhoea with large doses.