Can Rehmannia glutinosa be added to Ba Zhen Gao?

Bazhen糕 usually contains prepared rehmannia, and it is important to consume it in moderation.

As a traditional Chinese medicinal food therapy formula, Bazhen糕 primarily consists of Codonopsis root, Poria, Atractylodes, Licorice, Angelica sinensis, Paeonia root, Prepared rehmannia, and Ligusticum. It is used to regulate deficiency of both qi and blood. Therefore, prepared rehmannia itself is one of the components of Bazhen糕, serving to nourish yin and enrich the blood. For individuals with cold constitution and kidney yin deficiency, moderate increase of prepared rehmannia can help better nourish kidney yin and enhance the tonic effect.

Additionally, prepared rehmannia helps nourish the spleen and stomach, promoting appetite and digestion, which complements the function of Bazhen糕 in strengthening the spleen and invigorating qi. With a soft, moist texture and a sweet, slightly warm taste, the addition of prepared rehmannia enriches the flavor of Bazhen糕, making it more delicious and palatable. Although prepared rehmannia offers multiple benefits, excessive consumption may lead to indigestion or nutritional excess. Therefore, it should be used in moderation when added to Bazhen糕.

It should be noted that prepared rehmannia has a sticky and greasy nature, which may hinder digestion. Thus, individuals with qi stagnation, excessive phlegm, abdominal distension and pain, poor appetite, diarrhea, or those with allergic constitutions should use it cautiously.