Can consuming Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) induce menstruation?

Generally, in cases of irregular menstruation caused by deficiency of qi and blood, consuming prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) may have the effect of inducing menstruation. However, if menstrual delay is caused by other factors, prepared rehmannia may not have a significant effect. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When menstrual irregularities are caused by weakness of qi and blood or kidney deficiency, prepared rehmannia has functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching essence, and nourishing blood. It can help regulate the body and improve the condition of qi and blood deficiency, thereby promoting the return of menstruation to normal. In such cases, as part of a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, prepared rehmannia may play a certain auxiliary role in inducing menstruation.

If menstrual delay is caused by cold-dampness stagnation, emotional stress, or other reasons unrelated to qi and blood deficiency, the nourishing effect of prepared rehmannia may not directly address the problem. In fact, due to its greasy nature, it could potentially exacerbate internal dampness or hinder the discharge of menstrual blood, prolonging menstrual disorders. Additionally, the effect of using prepared rehmannia alone is limited, and it must be combined with other herbs to achieve better results.

Before using prepared rehmannia to regulate menstruation, the underlying cause should be clearly identified, and the herb should be appropriately combined with other medicinal ingredients under the guidance of a physician to avoid misuse or overdose that could lead to health problems and ensure safe medication use.