Shú Dì Huáng (熟地黄) — Prepared Rehmannia Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Shú Dì Huáng (熟地黄) — Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) — is known in English as Prepared Rehmannia root. It belongs to the category of Blood tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Shú Dì Huáng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shú Dì Huáng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 熟地黄 |
| Latin name | Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared) |
| English name | Prepared Rehmannia root |
| Nature | Slightly warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney, Heart |
| Category | Blood tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes Blood and Yin
- Replenishes Essence (Jing) and fills the Marrow
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
- Cools and nourishes the Heart
Indications
- Blood deficiency with pallor, palpitations, dizziness and irregular menstruation
- Kidney Yin deficiency with low back ache, night sweats, tinnitus and spermatorrhoea
- Deficiency of Essence (Jing) with premature ageing, weakness and infertility
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency — the fundamental tonic for most deficiency conditions in fertility
- Wasting and thirsting disorder from Yin deficiency
- Thin endometrial lining — the primary herb for building the Blood and Yin that form the uterine lining
4. Key formulas containing Shú Dì Huáng
Shú Dì Huáng is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Rehmannia glutinosa is one of the most widely used and thoroughly researched Chinese medicinal herbs. Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) is processed with Huang Jiu (rice wine) which transforms its cold nature and makes it primarily tonifying. Key bioactive constituents include iridoid glycosides (catalpol, aucubin), polysaccharides and stachyose. Research demonstrates haematopoietic effects (increasing red blood cell and haemoglobin production), anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, neuroprotective effects and blood glucose regulation. Catalpol has been shown to protect neurons from oxidative damage. Clinical research supports use in anaemia, menopausal symptoms, diabetic complications and as a foundational ingredient in fertility and anti-ageing formulas.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Phlegm-Damp obstruction, digestive weakness with bloating and diarrhoea, as the rich, tonifying nature can cause stagnation. Often combined with Sha Ren (Amomum) to protect the Spleen. Do not confuse with Sheng Di Huang (raw Rehmannia), which is cold and primarily used to cool Blood and clear Heat.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Shú Dì Huáng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Thin endometrial lining, Low AMH level, Menopausal symptoms, Fertility. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
