Rehmannia

Rehmannia is another example of how Chinese herbs are processed differently to achieve different effects.  This type of rehmannia is used to nourish the blood and kidneys.  It can be used for cases of anemia if the diagnosis is a “blood deficiency” in Chinese medicine.    This herb is cooked in wine.  It is called Shu di huang.  The other form of rehmannia is fresh and is called “sheng di huang”.

This herb is excellent when prescribed by an acupuncturist.  It is not usually taken long term and is sometimes not appropriate for Americans due to our constitutions.  It is always used in a Chinese herbal formula.  I typically combine these formulas with a formula that strongly improves digestion, as Americans in general do not have good digestion.  That is a part of the healing process in Chinese medicine.  You have to improve the digestion so your body can get the benefit of food and herbs.

Chinese Medicine Indications:

Tonifies the blood – for blood deficiency with dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia.

Nourishes the yin – for kidney yin deficiency

Nourishes the blood, tonifies the essence – for low back pain, weakness of the lower extremities, lightheadedness, dizziness, tinnitus, diminished aural acuity, premature graying of hair due to exhausted blood and essence.