Prepared Rehmannia Root
The supreme Blood and Yin tonic of Chinese medicine — nine times steamed, nine times dried, Prepared Rehmannia is the root of essence, vitality, and deep restoration.
What Is Prepared Rehmannia Root?
Prepared Rehmannia Root (熟地黄, Shú Dì Huáng) is the root of Rehmannia glutinosa that has been repeatedly steamed with rice wine and dried — traditionally nine times — transforming the raw, cold, blood-cooling root into a sweet, warm, deeply nourishing tonic that replenishes Liver and Kidney Yin, tonifies Blood, and fills the Essence (Jing). It is the foundational ingredient of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, arguably the most famous formula in TCM history, and appears in virtually every major prescription for Blood deficiency, Kidney Yin deficiency, and Jing depletion.
The steaming process with wine fundamentally alters the herb's chemistry and energetics: it increases the bioavailability of iridoid glycosides, reduces the cold, bitter constituents of raw Rehmannia, and enhances its affinity for the Liver and Kidney channels. Clinically, Shú Dì Huáng addresses the full spectrum of Blood and Yin deficiency manifestations — pallor, dizziness, palpitations, tinnitus, lower back weakness, night sweats, and premature greying of hair. Modern research confirms its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, haematopoietic, and anti-ageing properties.
History & Origin
Rehmannia root has been central to Chinese medicine since antiquity, and the prepared form emerged as practitioners discovered that processing with wine transformed a cold medicinal into a warm tonic capable of filling the deepest reservoirs of Yin, Blood, and Essence.
Traditional Uses
Kidney Yin Deficiency
The chief herb for Kidney Yin depletion manifesting as tinnitus, lower back soreness, weakness of the knees, night sweats, hot flushes, and five-centre heat.
Blood Deficiency
Replenishes Liver Blood to address pallor, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, insomnia, and scanty or irregular menstruation from blood insufficiency.
Jing (Essence) Depletion
Fills the Kidney Essence to address premature greying of hair, hearing loss, poor memory, developmental delay, and sexual dysfunction from Jing exhaustion.
Diabetes (Xiao Ke Syndrome)
Used in Yin deficiency-type wasting-thirst syndromes characterised by excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, often combined with Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi.
Irregular Menstruation & Fertility
Nourishes Liver Blood and Kidney Yin to regulate the menstrual cycle, support follicular development, and address infertility from Blood-Yin insufficiency.
Bone Health & Ageing
Replenishes Kidney Essence to support bone density, joint health, and healthy ageing in patterns of premature decline or chronic deficiency.
Health Benefits
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Replenishes BloodDeeply nourishes Liver Blood to relieve pallor, dizziness, palpitations, and menstrual irregularity from blood deficiency — one of the premier Blood tonics in TCM.
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Nourishes Kidney YinFills the Kidney Yin reservoir to relieve night sweats, tinnitus, lower back weakness, and hot flushes from Yin depletion.
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Fills the Essence (Jing)Replenishes Kidney Jing to address deep-seated deficiency including premature ageing, memory decline, and reproductive insufficiency.
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Haematopoietic SupportModern research shows Prepared Rehmannia stimulates red blood cell production and supports bone marrow function, confirming its blood-building reputation.
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Anti-Ageing & NeuroprotectiveCatalpol and polysaccharides demonstrate neuroprotective and anti-ageing effects in preclinical studies, supporting its classical reputation as a longevity tonic.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products.
