The Difference Between Shu Di Huang and Nu Zhen Zi
Apr 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) is a processed product of the tuberous root of Rehmannia glutinosa, a plant from the Scrophulariaceae family. Ligustrum fruit (Nv Zhen Zi) is the dried ripe fruit of Ligustrum lucidum, a plant from the Oleaceae family. These two herbs originate from different plant species and are classified as distinct medicinal materials.
Rehmannia root is typically produced through multiple processing steps, including steaming with yellow rice wine. Ligustrum fruit is generally processed by removing impurities from the raw herb, washing, and drying, or after steaming with wine, followed by drying.
Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) and Ligustrum lucidum fruit (Nv Zhen Zi) typically differ in their sources, processing methods, physical characteristics, properties and meridian tropism, as well as in their primary therapeutic effects.
1. Different Sources: Shu Di Huang is the processed tuberous root of Rehmannia glutinosa, a plant from the Scrophulariaceae family. Nv Zhen Zi is the dried mature fruit of Ligustrum lucidum, a plant belonging to the Oleaceae family. These represent different plant species and thus different medicinal materials.
2. Different Processing Methods: Shu Di Huang is generally produced through multiple processing steps, including steaming with yellow rice wine. Nv Zhen Zi is usually processed by removing impurities, washing, and drying the raw herb, or by steaming with wine followed by drying. Its processing method is relatively simpler and significantly different from that of Shu Di Huang.
3. Different Physical Characteristics: Shu Di Huang appears as irregular slices or chunks, black and lustrous in color, with a soft and moist texture. Nv Zhen Zi is oval, elliptical, or kidney-shaped, with a surface that is black-purple or gray-black, wrinkled, uneven, and slightly brittle. These differences in appearance and texture distinguish the two clearly.
4. Different Properties and Meridian Tropism: Shu Di Huang is sweet in taste and slightly warm in property, entering the liver and kidney meridians. Nv Zhen Zi is sweet and bitter in taste and cool in nature, also entering the liver and kidney meridians. Shu Di Huang is warming, while Nv Zhen Zi is cooling. Additionally, Nv Zhen Zi has a bitter taste, indicating differences in their properties and effects on the body.
5. Different Therapeutic Emphases: Shu Di Huang primarily nourishes yin, enriches blood, and replenishes essence and marrow. It is commonly used to treat severe cases of blood deficiency and yin deficiency of the liver and kidney. Nv Zhen Zi mainly nourishes the liver and kidneys, improves vision, and darkens hair. It is frequently used for symptoms such as dim vision and premature graying of hair caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidney. Its effects are relatively milder and include clearing heat to improve vision, distinguishing it from the actions of Shu Di Huang.
Although both herbs are beneficial, they should be appropriately used under the guidance of a physician according to individual constitution and specific medical conditions to avoid adverse effects caused by excessive or improper use.
