Pinyin: Shudihuang
Aliases
Shudi
Source
Plant of the family Scrophulariaceae, *Rehmannia glutinosa*Rehmannia glutinosaThe fresh root tuber of Libosch., processed by steaming and sun-drying.
Botanical Description
See entry under "Shengdihuang".
Processing
1. Take Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), process according to the wine-stewing method until the wine is completely absorbed, remove, and air-dry until the surface mucus is slightly dry. Cut into thick slices or pieces, dry, and obtain the finished product. For every 100 kg of Shengdihuang, use 20-30 kg of yellow wine. (Wine-stewing method: Take the material to be processed according to the processing specifications for each variety, add wine, place in a suitable container, seal, and stew over water or steam until thoroughly cooked or until the wine is completely absorbed. Cool, remove, air-dry to about 60% dryness, slice, and dry. Generally, for every 100 kg of material to be processed, use 20-30 kg of wine.)
2. Take Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), steam according to the steaming method until black and moist, remove, dry to about 80% dryness, cut into thick slices or pieces, and dry to obtain. (Refer to the steaming method under "Zhi Heshouwu" for details.)
Medicinal Properties
This product appears as irregular pieces or fragments of varying sizes and thicknesses. The surface is blackish with a glossy luster and high viscosity. The texture is soft yet pliable, not easily broken, and the cut surface is blackish and glossy. Odor: faint; Taste: sweet.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, slightly warm. Enters the Liver and Kidney channels.
Functions and Indications
Nourishes Blood and Yin, supplements the Essence and fills the Marrow. Used for Blood deficiency with sallow complexion, palpitations and anxiety, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, bone-steaming tidal fever, night sweats and seminal emission, internal Heat with wasting-thirst, dizziness, tinnitus, and premature graying of hair.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: 10-30 g; or prepared as pills or powder; or as decoction extract; or steeped in wine.
Precautions and Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Spleen and Stomach weakness with Qi stagnation and excessive phlegm, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
