Tell me about...
Rehmannia
What is rehmannia? What is it used
for?
Rehmannia is a perennial herb indigenous to China, Japan
and Korea. It grows to a height of approximately 18 inches,
and contains alternating leaves with reddish-violet flowers.
The root tuber is used medicinally.
In traditional Chinese medicine, rehmannia is used as a diuretic
and to strengthen the kidney, liver and heart. Fresh and dried
forms of rehmannia tuber are used differently. Fresh root
tuber is used on the liver and kidney meridians for conditions
such as irregular menstruation; lowered immunity; insomnia;
tinnitus; vertigo; impaired hearing; diabetes; and frequent
urination. Dried tuber is used mainly for fevers and fever-related
conditions; dry mouth; nosebleeds; internal bleeding; rheumatism;
and constipation.
How much rehmannia should I take?
As a decoction, many practitioners recommend taking between
9-15 grams of rehmannia. It can also be taken as part of a
rice wine.
What forms of rehmannia are available?
Whole rehmannia tuber is available in either fresh or dried
forms. Rehmannia powder is sold at some Asian markets and
specialty stores.
What can happen if I take too much
rehmannia? Are there any interactions I should be aware of?
What precautions should I take?
As of this writing, there are no known adverse reactions
or drug interactions with rehmannia. Rehmannia is considered
safe as long as it is taken within recommended therapeutic
doses.
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References
- Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal
Medicine, Materia Medica. Seattle, Washington: Eastland
Press Incorporated, 1993.
- Kubo M, Asano T, Matsuda H, et al. Studies
on rehmanniae radix. III. The relation between changes
of constituents and improvable effects on hemorheology with
the processing of roots of rehmannia glutinosa. Yakugaku
Zasshi February 1996;116:158-68.
- Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the
Amazon and China. The World Preservation Society, Inc.,
1995.
- Taylor M. Chinese Patent Medicines:
A Beginner's Guide. 1998, p. 85.
- Yuan Y, Hou S, Lian T, et al. Studies
of rehmannia glutinosa Libosch f. hueichingensis as
a blood tonic. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih June
1992;17:366-8.
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