<Ben Cao Tu Jing>
Root of a perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family, Rehmannia glutinosa.
Alternative Names: Prepared Rehmannia, Underground Rehmannia.
Prescription Names: Prepared Rehmannia Root, Prepared Rehmannia, Large Prepared Rehmannia.
Flavor and Nature: Sweet, slightly warm.
Meridian Affinity: Enters liver and kidney meridians.
Functions: Nourishes blood, nourishes yin, replenishes essence and marrow.
Indications and Applications:
1. Used for blood deficiency causing sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, menstrual disorders, and uterine bleeding. Combined with Angelica, Ligusticum, and Paeonia, forms Si Wu Tang—the fundamental formula for blood tonification and menstruation regulation.
2. Used for kidney yin deficiency causing tidal fever, night sweats, and diabetes. A primary herb for nourishing yin, such as in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
3. Applicable to all conditions involving deficiency of essence and blood, including lower back pain, weak legs, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, premature graying hair, etc.
Dosage and Administration: 10–30 grams. Best used with spleen-strengthening herbs like Citrus peel and Amomum seed. Charred prepared rehmannia used for hemostasis.
Caution: The herb is sticky in nature; avoid in cases of qi stagnation with phlegm, spleen deficiency with abdominal distension, poor appetite, or loose stools.
<Prepared Rehmannia Root>