Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang)

Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Rehmanniae praeparata

Botanical Name : Rehmannia gultinosa Libosch.

Common Name : Prepared rehmannia root

Source of Earliest Record : Bencao Tujing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The rehmannia roots are prepared with wine, Amomum fruit (Sharen) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi). The roots are steamed and dried in the sun several times until they become black, soft and sticky; then they are cut into slices.

Properties & Taste : Sweet and slightly warm

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Functions: To nourish blood and replenish yin

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficient blood syndrome manifested as sallow complexion, dizziness, vertigo, palpitations, insomnia, irregular menstruation and uterine bleeding. Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and White peony root (Baishao) in the formula Siwu Tang.

2. Deficient kidney syndrome manifested as afternoon fever, night sweating, noctural emissions, diabetes, dizziness and blurred vision. Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang) is used with Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu) and Dioscorea (Shanyao) in the formula Liuwei Dihuang Wan.

3. Deficient yin and excessive fire syndrome manifested as afternoon fever, feverish sensation on the palms, soles and in the chest, night sweating, noctural emissions, red tongue proper with scanty coating and thready, rolling and rapid pulse. Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang) is used with Tortoise plastron (Guiban), Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu) and Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) in the formula Zhi Bai Dihuang Wan.

Dosage: 10-30 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with qi stagnation and profuse phlegm, with epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, and with poor appetite and diarrhea.