• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Login Register
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Help
  • Cart

Lost Empire Herbs HomepageLost Empire Herbs

Unleash the Power of Nature with Potent Herbs and Super Foods.

FREE SHIPPING OVER $100

for all North American orders

Excluding Gear

info@lostempireherbs.com

  • Home
  • SHOP HERBS🔻
    • On SaleNew
    • All Herbs
    • Most Popular
    • Tinctures
    • Pine Pollen
    • Formulas
    • Male Herbs
    • Mushrooms
    • Adaptogens
    • Bundles
    • Gear
    • eBooks
    • Last Chance
    • Other
  • SHOP BY HEALTH GOALS
  • Take QuizNEW
  • Dosages & Uses
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Why Buy From Us?
    • Our Mission
    • Meet The Team
    • What is Performance Herbalism?
    • About the Herbal Yeti
  • FAQ
    • FAQ
    • Dosages
    • First Time Buyer’s Guide
    • Glossary of Products
    • Heavy Metals Breakdown
  • Blog & Articles
    • Blog
    • By Category
    • Health Articles
      • Adrenal Support
      • Anti-Aging & Beauty
      • Brain Health & Cognition
      • Detoxification
      • Diabetes & Cholesterol
      • Energy & Vitality
      • Gut Health
      • Heart Health
      • Immune System
      • Men’s Hormone Health
      • Mood Support
      • Prostate Health
      • Sex & Libido
      • Stress
      • Sleep
      • Thyroid Health
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Hormone Health
  • Reviews
  •  

Rehmannia Benefits

August 27, 2018 by Logan Christopher 3 Comments

(We no longer carry this amazing here, but do check out our Athena Formulas for Women Here)

Rehmannia benefits the kidneys, adrenals, joints, blood sugar and more. This article will dive deeper into what it does and how it does it.

Rehmannia glutinosa, is a root that has long been used in a prepared way in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Sometimes it is called Chinese Foxglove.

Rehmannia benefits

Table of Contents

  • 1 Rehmannia – Kidney and Yin Jing
  • 2 Inflammation and Hormone Modulating Iridoid Glycosides
  • 3 Rehmannia Benefits the Joints, Bones, Sinews, and Blood
  • 4 Unprepared vs. Prepared Rehmannia
  • 5 Classic Rehmannia Formulations
  • 6 Rehmannia Side Effects
  • 7 References:

Rehmannia – Kidney and Yin Jing

kidney-meridian

Let’s start off with its nickname, “the kidneys’ own food.” While Rehmannia does have renoprotective effects1, this is primarily talking about Kidneys in the TCM sense of the word. The Kidney meridian is responsible for a whole lot more than filtering fluids of the body, though Rehmannia does appear to help in urinary tract health, especially in men.

The kidneys are the storehouse of Jing, the primal essence which is compared to your life force, constitution and has important functions in hormone health.

In this case, Rehmannia is specific to the adrenal glands and has been used to help in cases of adrenal fatigue. In TCM it is said to “cool down internal heat.”

In a classic herbal text from early China, Rehmannia was listed as a superior herb and said:

“Rehmannia is sweet and cold. It mainly treats broken bones, severed sinews from falls, and damaged center. It expels blood impediments, replenishes bone marrow, and promotes growth of muscles and flesh. When used in decoctions, it eliminates cold and heat accumulations and gatherings, and impediment. Using the uncooked is better. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent senility. Its other name is Di Sui (Earth Marrow). It grows near rivers and swamps.” – Shen Nong Ben Cao (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica)

Its work on the bone marrow is another correlation to jing.

Inflammation and Hormone Modulating Iridoid Glycosides

Iridoid glycosides are a major component of the root, such as catalpol, the first and main one identified.2 These, in turn, stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory adrenal cortical hormones from the adrenal cortex.

These hormones have other effects including modulating the sex hormones. It is these components that are theorized to help with the symptoms of menopause in women.

A study with rats found the Rehmannia supplementation helped raise estradiol level in females and testosterone in males.3

Catalpol has been investigated further. In one study they wrote, “The results showed that catalpol could significantly improve not only spatial learning and memory but also locomotor activity and exploratory behavior of aged rats with memory loss.”4

Another study found it improved neurological function and reduces inflammation in both the cells and demyelination.5 This was especially the case in those neurons involving dopamine.

Rehmannia also has a reputation for supporting thyroid function. While no research is on this specifically, one paper was showing that inflammation in CNS tissue can cause dysregulation of thyroid hormone signaling.6 Specifically, OPC’s or oligodendrocyte precursor cells get impaired, and catapol is protective to these.4 So perhaps this may be one of the ways in which Rehmannia helps support the immune system.

rehmannia glutinosa

Rehmannia Benefits the Joints, Bones, Sinews, and Blood

Used in helping people repair from broken bones and other injuries were regenerating the tissues is important. This includes the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Besides the inflammatory and hormonal modulating components, Rehmannia is known as a blood tonic and purifier. In TCM, blood is considered a denser form of Qi. In being able to deliver nutrients and energy to the cells, as well as take away wastes, it can help aid in healing.

Furthermore, Rehmannia is considered moist, while the vast majority of herbs are drying. Bringing moisture to your body often allows it to stay more youthful.

Speaking of the blood Rehmannia affects blood sugar balance. In rats induced to have diabetes (with paraquat, an herbicide), a water extract of Rehmannia was able to reverse the glucose metabolism and insulin-signaling disorder.7

Dried Rehmannia Root

Dried Rehmannia Root

Unprepared vs. Prepared Rehmannia

Unprepared Rehmannia is just the roots dried either in the sun or in an oven. One method of preparation with Rehmannia is soaking it in water and rice wine, then steaming it for eight to 24 hours long.

Another preparation is the same as He Shou Wu, cooking it with black soybeans and white wine.

The unprepared Rehmannia is cold. Prepared is warm. Thus, based on your constitution one of these may be the better option for you specifically.

Prepared Rehmannia Root

Prepared Rehmannia Root

When cooked the herb becomes more dense, sticky and more nourishing. This can benefit the kidney and liver qi in helping to calm and control it.

However, it can also be harder to digest for some.

At this time, we only have a prepared Rehmannia extract available.

Although this will have the properties mentioned above, being in a powder form, rather than the dense, sticky discs it’s often found it, it may lighten up some of these properties.

Classic Rehmannia Formulations

There are a number of traditionally used in Chinese formulas.traditional Chinese medicine herbs

Rehmannia 6 includes Rehmannia, Cornus, Dioscorea, Alisma, Hoelen, and Moutan. Rehmannia 6 is one of the most popular formulas in the world, supporting the kidney, liver, and spleen. Many of these other herbs are used to help balance out the actions so that no excessive action occurs. Furthermore, different herbs help to support the actions, like Cornus supporting Rehmannia’s nourishing action.

“The ultimate aim of the formula is to replenish the kidney, and this is accomplished by addressing each requisite step involved in the normal process of gaining ‘postnatal’ kidney essence.” – Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D.8

Rehmannia 8 includes all the ingredients from Rehmannia 6 plus the addition of aconite and cinnamon. These additional herbs are there to support yang energy in the kidneys.

Tang-Kuei Four Combination includes Rehmannia, Tang-Kuei (note this is a different spelling of Dong Quai), Cnidium and Peony. Since Dong Quai also has strong blood building properties, this formula is specific for cases where that is needed.

There are many other formulas with Rehmannia in it, but these are some of the classics.

Rehmannia Side Effects

Rehmannia contains stachyose, which is an indigestible starch, the same as found in beans. Thus, this can cause gas and bloating, though generally, you’re having a smaller amount than what is eaten with beans so the effect will not affect many. Large amounts of Rehmannia, as is sometimes recommended, is more likely to gas, bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the digestion.

Rehmannia is untested in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so is best avoided in these cases.

References:

  1. Lee, B., Choi, J., Cho, H., Kim, Y. (2009). Rehmannia glutinosa ameliorates the progressive renal failure induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 122. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146934
  2. S. Kim, T. Yook, J. Jim. Rehmanniae Radix, an Effective Treatment for Patients with Various Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases: Results from a Review of Korean Publications. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017 Jun; 20(2): 81–88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5532465/
  3. Chen Jiayi, Zhang Yuyang, and Wu Qiang, Effect of Jingui Shenqi Pills on sex hormone in aged rats, China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1993; 18(10): 619–620.
  4. T. Yang, Q. Zhang, S. Wang, et al. Effect of catalpol on remyelination through experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis acting to promote Olig1 and Olig2 expressions in mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017; 17: 240. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414219/
  5. Liu, J., Liu, Y., Zou, W., Song, L., An, L. (2012). Catalpol Upregulates Hippocampal GAP-43 Level of Aged Rats with Enhanced Spatial Memory and Behavior Response. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 02. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/JBBS20120400009_76596386.pdf
  6. M. Fernandez, VA. Baldassarro, et al. Inflammation severely alters thyroid hormone signaling in the central nervous system during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rat: Direct impact on OPCs differentiation failure. Glia. 2016 Sep;64(9):1573-89. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27404574
  7. L. Ren, Y. Xu, G. Qin, C. Liu and S. Wang. Effects of water extracts of Rehmannia glutinosa on antioxidant system of Nrf2 in paraquat-induced insulin resistance diabetic rat model. Exp Ther Med. 2017 Dec; 14(6): 5847–5850. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5740801/
  8. Dharmananda, S., & Dorr, C. (n.d.). The Structure of Rehmannia Six Formula.  https://www.itmonline.org/arts/rehm6.htm
The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Logan Christopher

Logan Christopher has been called the "Physical Culture Renaissance Man" for his many wide-ranging feats of strength. His passion for herbalism, hormones and health began with his never-ending quest for peak mental and physical performance; thus the dawn of Performance Herbalism.

As a performing strongman he once pulled an 8,800 lb. firetruck by his hair, juggled a kettlebell that was lit on fire, supported half a ton on top of himself in a wrestler’s bridge position, and routinely bends horseshoes and rips decks of cards in half.

Acclaimed as both a visionary and breakthrough author, Logan has written countless works on natural living, culminating in his self-proclaimed magnum opus, "Powered By Nature - How Nature Improves Our Happiness, Health and Performance.” Says longevity guru Peter Ragnar of the work "His passion is contagious! His words fire one's spirit to reconnect with nature's intelligence."

He is Co-Founder and CEO of Lost Empire Herbs, which aims to bring performance herbalism into everyday people’s lives.

When Logan isn't working to save the planet and transform modern herbalism, he busies himself as a consultant to the space program. In his spare time he enjoys memorizing the Fibonacci sequence and bowling perfect games.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Latest posts by Logan Christopher (see all)

  • How to Make a Liquid Suspension [Elderberry] - December 6, 2019
  • Six(6) Pine Pollen Videos - November 25, 2019
  • How to Become Intuitive with Herb Use - November 13, 2019
  • How to Make Elderberry Honey: Simple DIY Recipe - November 7, 2019
  • The Feelable Effects of Our Herbs - October 29, 2019

Filed Under: Brain Health & Cognitive Function, Chinese Medicine (TCM), Diabetes & Cholesterol, Herbs, Hormones Tagged With: adrenal fatigue, adrenal support, adrenals, catapol, cooked rehmannia, dried rehmannia, healing tissues, iridoid glycosides, joint health, prepared rehmannia, rehmannia 6, rehmannia 8, rehmannia benefits, rehmannia side effects, tang kuei four combination

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lene says

    February 16, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    I use plavix in the evenings. Is Rehmannia safe to use?

    Reply
    • Justin Snyder says

      February 18, 2019 at 9:52 am

      Hi Lene, unfortunately we can’t comment on pharmaceutical drugs since we’re not doctors and have none currently on staff. We suggest you speak with an integrated medicine specialist or an herbalist. You might also find this article helpful: https://lostempireherbs.com/herbs-and-drug-interactions/

      Reply
  2. Joey Kesney says

    August 30, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    I like it so far the benefits because my knees be hurting me sometime, and my back and my shoulders.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Top rated products

  • 101 Advanced Steps to Radiant Health
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    USD$ 19.99
  • 101 Simple Steps to Radiant Health
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    USD$ 19.99
  • Athlete Bundle
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    USD$ 152.96 - USD$ 139.00
  • Powered By Nature Book - Logan Christopher
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    USD$ 19.99
Promo Banner

Like Us On Facebook

Health Index

  • Adrenals
  • Athleticism
  • Cognition & Nootropics
  • Cholesterol
  • Diabetes & Blood Sugar
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Heart Health
  • Immunity
  • Ideal Health
  • Men's Hormone Health
  • Prostate
  • Sleep
  • Thyroid
  • Women's Hormone Health

Free eBook: The Secrets to Performance Herbalism
Take Your Health and Performance to the Next Level

DOWNLOAD NOW

Footer

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact
  • Help
  • Product Complaints
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate
  • Wholesale
  • Terms of Use
  • Careers
  • Order Info
  • Articles
  • Shipping
  • Reviews

Lost Empire Herbs offers a wide range of high-quality super herbs and tinctures, including pine pollen powder and pine pollen tincture, tongkat ali extract, shilajit powder and resin, among other herbs and products to help people dramatically improve their health and lives. Read more about our mission here.

Let’s Connect

Facebook

Community

Youtube

Pinterest

Twitter

Instagram

We accept:


Support

831-454-8947

info@lostempireherbs.com

Lost Empire Herbs
195 Aviation Way
Suite 102
Watsonville, CA 95076


REVIEWS DISCLAIMER

These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Lostempireherbs.com makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.

© 2019 Lost Empire Herbs. All Rights Reserved

×