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Can consuming cooked Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) help to clear heat from the body?

Apr 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
"Clearing heat" refers to reducing internal heat or fire. Prepared rehmannia (Sh熟地黄) cannot directly reduce internal heat. Moreover, if used improperly, it may cause symptoms of excessive internal heat. Prepared rehmannia is slightly warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the liver and kidney meridians. Its main functions are nourishing blood, enriching yin, replenishing essence, and supplementing marrow. It is commonly used to treat various syndromes caused by blood deficiency and yin deficiency of the liver and kidney. Based on its medicinal properties and functions, prepared rehmannia does not possess direct heat-clearing and fire-reducing effects, nor does it cause excessive internal heat.

Generally speaking, "qu re qi" (removing heat) refers to reducing internal heat or fire in the body. Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia root) does not directly reduce heat or fire. Improper use may even trigger heat-related symptoms. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Shu Di Huang is slightly warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the liver and kidney meridians. Its primary functions are nourishing the blood, enriching yin, replenishing essence, and fortifying the bone marrow. It is commonly used to treat conditions caused by blood deficiency and yin deficiency of the liver and kidney. Based on its medicinal properties and functions, Shu Di Huang does not have a direct effect on clearing heat or causing heat symptoms. Instead, it regulates bodily functions by nourishing the body's yin and blood.

However, if used improperly—for example, if the dosage is too high or the duration of use too long—it may lead to symptoms of internal heat such as mouth ulcers and sore throat. Therefore, when taking Shu Di Huang, it is essential to strictly follow medical advice regarding dosage and treatment duration, and not to adjust the dose without authorization.

Shu Di Huang has a sticky nature that may impair digestion. It should not be taken by individuals with conditions such as Qi stagnation with excessive phlegm, excessive dampness causing abdominal fullness, or poor appetite with loose stools. Additionally, patients should avoid consuming stimulating foods such as scallions, garlic, radishes, and alcoholic beverages during treatment with Shu Di Huang, as these may reduce the drug's effectiveness and hinder recovery.

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