The Difference Between Prepared Rehmannia Root and Processed Polygonum Multiflorum

Apr 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Rehmannia glutinosa (Sh熟地黄) is a processed product of the tuberous root of Rehmannia glutinosa, usually made by steaming dried Rehmannia glutinosa with yellow rice wine. Processed Polygonum multiflorum (制首乌) is produced from the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum through processing methods such as mixing with black soybean juice and steaming. These two herbs differ in their sources and processing methods, leading to changes in their medicinal properties and effects. Rehmannia glutinosa consists of irregularly shaped slices or fragments, with a jet-black surface that is lustrous, soft, and moist in texture.

　　The differences between Shu Di Huang (processed Rehmannia root) and Zhi Shou Wu (processed Polygonum multiflorum root) generally lie in their sources and processing methods, physical appearance, taste and channel tropism, therapeutic effects and indications, as well as clinical applications.

　　1. Source and Processing Methods: Shu Di Huang is the tuberous root of Rehmannia glutinosa that has undergone processing, typically involving steaming with yellow rice wine. Zhi Shou Wu is the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum processed by steaming with black soybean juice. Their sources and processing techniques differ, leading to variations in their medicinal properties and effects.

　　2. Physical Appearance: Shu Di Huang appears as irregular slices or fragments, with a black, glossy surface and a soft, moist texture. Zhi Shou Wu is in irregular blocky or spindle shapes, with a blackish-brown or dark brown surface marked by uneven longitudinal wrinkles. It has a firm texture and a horny, dark brown to black cross-section.

　　3. Taste, Property, and Channel Tropism: Shu Di Huang is sweet in taste and slightly warm in property, acting on the liver and kidney meridians. Zhi Shou Wu is bitter, sweet, and astringent in taste, also slightly warm, affecting the liver, heart, and kidney meridians. Compared to Shu Di Huang, Zhi Shou Wu involves an additional meridian—the heart—and its bitter and astringent qualities lead to differing therapeutic focuses.

　　4. Therapeutic Effects and Indications: Shu Di Huang mainly nourishes yin, enriches blood, and replenishes essence and marrow. It is used for conditions such as liver and kidney yin deficiency and blood deficiency with sallow complexion. Zhi Shou Wu primarily nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches essence and blood, darkens hair, strengthens tendons and bones, and helps lower lipid levels. It is commonly used for various disorders caused by liver-kidney deficiency and insufficiency of essence and blood, particularly showing unique effects in darkening hair and reducing lipids.

　　5. Clinical Applications: Shu Di Huang is frequently used in treating gynecological disorders such as menstrual irregularities and infertility, and is a key herb for nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys. Zhi Shou Wu is commonly used for hair loss, premature graying, and hyperlipidemia. It is widely applied in health preservation and treating chronic conditions, such as delaying aging and improving lipid metabolism disorders.

　　In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Shu Di Huang and Zhi Shou Wu have different focuses. Proper differentiation and treatment according to syndrome patterns are essential. Before using any of these herbs, consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is necessary to ensure safety and efficacy.

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Is Quanlu Dabao Pill genuine?

Quanlu Dabu Pills mainly contain various traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients such as dried whole deer, red ginseng, prepared rehmannia root, cornus fruit, Lycium barbarum, among others. They are effective in nourishing the blood and vital essence, replenishing qi, and fortifying the body's foundation. These pills can help alleviate symptoms such as impotence and excessive uterine bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge. They can also effectively improve symptoms caused by deficiencies in qi and blood, such as dizziness, tinnitus, and mental confusion. Additionally, they provide beneficial regulatory effects for individuals with weak constitutions and poor resistance.

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Is it effective to take Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) together with Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi) and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao)?

If symptoms such as weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, or blurred vision caused by deficiency of the liver and kidney, or pallor and irregular menstruation due to blood deficiency are present, combining these three herbs can produce a synergistic effect. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang) nourishes the kidney and replenishes yin; Astragalus Seed (Sha Yuan Zi) strengthens the kidney and consolidates essence; White Peony Root (Bai Shao) nourishes the blood and soothes the liver. Together, they effectively nourish the liver and kidney and regulate qi and blood, thereby supporting the body's overall regulation and recovery.