Can Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus complanatus seeds, and Paeonia lactiflora improve sleep quality?

Aug 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) can help improve sleep quality. The use of Chinese herbal medicines should follow medical advice. When improving sleep quality, the dosage should be adjusted according to specific sleep-related issues. For individuals experiencing frequent dreaming and easy awakening, the proportion of Shu Di Huang may be appropriately increased. For those whose sleep is affected by emotional irritability, the dosage of Bai Shao may be increased. Shu Di Huang is rich and greasy in nature; individuals with weak digestive function should control the dosage.

Generally speaking, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa),沙苑子 (Astragalus complanatus seeds), and白芍 (Paeonia lactiflora) can improve sleep quality. The use of these Chinese herbs should follow medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:

熟地黄 nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney and enriches essence and blood. When the yin of the liver and kidney is sufficient, deficiency fire will not disturb the body, thereby calming the mind, reducing insomnia and dreams caused by yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, and laying the foundation for good sleep. 沙苑子 strengthens kidney qi, consolidates essence, and nourishes the liver. Abundant kidney qi and adequate liver blood help stabilize bodily functions, prevent restlessness caused by liver and kidney insufficiency, shorten sleep onset time, and improve sleep stability. 白芍 nourishes blood, soothes the liver, and subdues liver yang. It alleviates irritability and anxiety caused by liver qi stagnation and hyperactive liver yang, reduces the disturbance of these negative emotions on sleep, and its soothing properties help the body relax, thereby improving sleep quality. Together, these three herbs work through multiple mechanisms—nourishing yin and calming the mind, replenishing the liver and kidney, and regulating emotions—to improve sleep quality.

When improving sleep quality, the dosage should be adjusted according to specific sleep problems. For those who experience frequent dreams and easy awakening, the proportion of熟地黄 can be appropriately increased. For those whose sleep is affected by emotional irritability, the dosage of白芍 may be increased. 熟地黄 is rich and greasy in nature, so individuals with weak digestion should control the dosage to avoid abdominal distension and discomfort after taking it at night. This herbal combination should not be relied upon as a substitute for healthy sleep habits. Maintaining regular作息 (作息 refers to daily routines), creating a comfortable sleep environment, and other good practices are also important. If poor sleep quality persists for a long time and does not improve with regulation, professional help should be sought promptly.

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Can Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) and Tribulus terrestris (Sha Yuan Zi) be used together with Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao)?

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