What should not be consumed with cooked Rehmannia root?

Apr 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Radish has the functions of relieving qi stagnation and eliminating accumulations, whereas cooked rehmannia (Sh熟地黄) is a nourishing traditional Chinese medicine that滋阴补血 (nourishes yin and enriches blood). When consumed together, the qi-relieving effect of radish may weaken the nourishing effect of cooked rehmannia, thereby reducing its therapeutic efficacy and affecting its nourishing function. Green onion whites are warm in nature and pungent in taste, with dispersing properties. Cooked rehmannia primarily functions to nourish the body; therefore, consuming it together with green onion whites may interfere with its nourishing effects.

　　When consuming prepared Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang), one should generally avoid eating radish, scallion whites, Chinese chives, cilantro, ice cream, and similar foods.

　　1. Radish: Radish has the function of lowering Qi and eliminating food accumulation, whereas prepared Rehmannia root is a tonic Chinese herb that nourishes yin and enriches blood. Consuming them together may result in the Qi-lowering effect of radish weakening the nourishing effect of Rehmannia, thus reducing its therapeutic efficacy and impairing its nourishing function.

　　2. Scallion whites: Scallion whites are warm in nature and have a dispersing effect. Prepared Rehmannia root, on the other hand, mainly functions to nourish the body. When consumed together, the dispersing nature of scallion whites may interfere with the nourishing effects of Rehmannia, and may also trigger adverse reactions, which are unfavorable for the body's absorption and utilization of the herb's medicinal effects.

　　3. Chinese chives: Chinese chives are warm in nature and have functions of warming yang and promoting Qi circulation. When consumed together with prepared Rehmannia root, the warming and dispersing properties of Chinese chives may impair the nourishing and blood-enriching effects of Rehmannia, significantly reducing its nourishing benefits. It may also cause symptoms such as internal heatiness, which can negatively affect health.

　　4. Cilantro: Cilantro is pungent and warm in nature, and has functions of dispersing and promoting eruption of rashes. Consuming cilantro while taking prepared Rehmannia may cause the dispersing nature of cilantro to counteract the nourishing properties of Rehmannia, thereby reducing its medicinal effectiveness and preventing the desired nourishing effects.

　　5. Ice cream: Cold and raw foods can easily impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach and affect their digestive functions. Prepared Rehmannia root is inherently sticky and rich in texture, requiring normal spleen and stomach function for proper digestion and absorption. Consuming cold foods may weaken the function of the spleen and stomach, thus affecting the absorption of Rehmannia, reducing its efficacy, and potentially causing indigestion or other problems.

　　When taking any traditional Chinese medicine or tonic, it is important to follow medical advice and adjust one's diet according to individual constitution and specific health conditions in order to achieve optimal therapeutic results.

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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.