Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia)

Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia)

Herb 9 of 9 in Herbs that Tonify Blood

Slightly Warm Shu Di Huang (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
Channels:
LIV, KI, (HT)
Properties:
Sweet, Slightly Warm
Latin:
Processed Radix Rehmanniae
Chinese:
熟地黄
Tone Marks:
shú dì huáng
Alt Names:
Shu Di
Translation:
Cooked Earth Yellow
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Chinese Herb Actions

  • Strongly Nourishes the Blood
    For Blood Deficiency presenting with dizziness, pale or sallow complexion, palpitations, and insomnia. Also for irregular menstruation due to Blood Deficiency.
  • Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
    For Yin Deficiency with weak and aching lower back and knees, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss, night sweats, tidal fever, 5 palm heat, nocturnal emissions, a weak and rapid pulse, and a peeled tongue coating.
  • Tonifies Yin
    This herb is effective at treating Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome), especially with frequent or excessive urination. It can be used alone for this purpose.
  • Nourishes Jing (Essence) and Fortifies Marrow
    In adults, this herb can be used for premature graying of the hair, impotence, and poor memory. In children, Shu Di Huang can be used to treat developmental and growth disorders.
  • Stops Cough and Arrests Wheezing
    Used when symptoms of cough, asthma, shortness of breath, and wheezing are due to Kidney Deficiency and it's inability to grasp the Qi.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

  • Shu Di Huang is a rich and cloying herb, and consuption can easily lead to Qi, Blood, and/or Damp Stagnation.
  • It should be used to treat conditions of Blood Deficiency and not Blood Stagnation.
  • The cloying nature of this herb also disturbs digestion and should not be used with Spleen and/or Stomach Deficiency.
  • Do not use with excess Damp, Phlegm, or Qi Stagnation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

  • None Noted

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

  • A single report of a skin reaction has been associated with taking this herb. 13
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Chinese Herb Dosage

  • 10-30 grams in decoction 12
  • 9-30 grams 13

Chinese Herb Notes

  • Shu Di Huang can be charred to enhance its stop bleeding quality.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

References Used

The TCM information presented here has been referenced from numerous sources; including teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the following books, as well as other sources. If you have benefited from this information, please consider supporting the authors and their works by purchasing the books below.

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