Who should not consume prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)?

Individuals who are generally unsuitable for consuming prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) include those with spleen and stomach deficiency, phlegm-damp constitution, qi stagnation with blood stasis, common cold with fever, and those with excessive fire due to yin deficiency.

1. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency: Prepared rehmannia has a sticky and greasy texture that is difficult to digest. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach function already have poor digestive capacity. Consumption of prepared rehmannia may further burden the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, and loose stools, thereby impairing normal digestive function and hindering recovery.

2. Phlegm-Damp Constitution: Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution often have accumulated phlegm and dampness in the body. Due to its greasy nature, prepared rehmannia may promote dampness and phlegm formation, worsening the condition. Symptoms such as body heaviness, dizziness, cough with excessive phlegm, and a thick, greasy tongue coating may appear, increasing discomfort and interfering with the regulation of a phlegm-damp constitution.

3. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis: The greasy nature of prepared rehmannia may impede the flow of qi and exacerbate qi stagnation and blood stasis. In individuals who already have symptoms such as chest and rib pain, menstrual irregularities, abdominal pain during menstruation, and a purple-dark tongue, consumption of prepared rehmannia may further impair the circulation of qi and blood, worsening symptoms of blood stasis.

4. Common Cold with Fever: During a cold with fever, the body's qi and blood are primarily concentrated on the body surface to expel pathogenic factors. At this time, the greasy nature of prepared rehmannia may retain the pathogenic factors, making it difficult to eliminate them and prolonging the cold symptoms. This may lead to persistent fever, worsening cough, nasal congestion, and prolonged runny nose.

5. Excessive Fire Due to Yin Deficiency: Although prepared rehmannia has a nourishing effect, individuals with severe fire due to yin deficiency may experience an exacerbation of internal heat after consumption. Symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, irritability, dry mouth and throat, insomnia, and a red tongue with little coating may occur or worsen, which is detrimental to the regulation and recovery of the yin-deficiency with fire hyperactivity condition.

Before deciding to consume prepared rehmannia, one should first consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or physician to make an appropriate and individualized decision based on personal constitution and health status. Additionally, even for those suitable for consumption, moderation is important to avoid excessive intake that may lead to adverse effects.