Can Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus complanatus, and Paeonia lactiflora relieve fatigue?

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 alleviate fatigue. However, Chinese herbal medicine should be used under the guidance of a physician. When relieving fatigue, the dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of fatigue. Individuals with long-term chronic fatigue may appropriately increase the proportion of Rehmannia glutinosa and Paeonia lactiflora. Rehmannia glutinosa is rich and greasy in nature and may cause abdominal distension or worsen discomfort in individuals with poor digestion if used in excessive amounts.

Generally speaking, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa),沙苑子 (Astragalus complanatus seeds), and白芍 (Paeonia lactiflora) can help alleviate fatigue, but Chinese herbal medicine should be used under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

熟地黄 nourishes the liver and kidneys and replenishes essence and blood. Adequate essence and blood provide sustained energy for physical activity, improving fatigue and low spirits caused by deficiency of essence and blood, thus alleviating fatigue at its root. 沙苑子 tonifies the kidneys, consolidates essence, and benefits the liver. Abundant kidney qi enhances physical vitality, reducing symptoms such as weakness and fatigue caused by kidney qi deficiency. Its liver-nourishing effect regulates qi and blood, making bodily functions smoother and alleviating symptoms of fatigue. 白芍 nourishes the blood and soothes the liver. Sufficient blood moistens muscles and bones, relieving physical exhaustion caused by blood deficiency. Soothing the liver also prevents emotional depression and physical heaviness caused by liver qi stagnation, which are associated with fatigue. Combined, these three herbs relieve fatigue by nourishing essence and blood, strengthening kidney qi, and harmonizing qi and blood.

When alleviating fatigue, the dosage should be adjusted according to the degree of fatigue. Individuals suffering from long-term chronic fatigue may appropriately increase the proportion of熟地黄 and白芍.熟地黄 is rich and greasy; excessive use by individuals with weak digestion may worsen abdominal distension, thereby increasing physical discomfort. This combination should not be relied upon to replace rest. Sufficient sleep and appropriate rest are also essential for alleviating fatigue. If fatigue is accompanied by other severe symptoms, the underlying cause should be promptly investigated to avoid delaying treatment and recovery.

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

In general, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa) and Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus complanatus seeds) can be used together, but usage should follow medical advice. Sh熟地黄 has a relatively greasy nature, and excessive or long-term use may impair stomach function, leading to indigestion and abdominal distension. Therefore, it should be used cautiously or in combination with spleen-strengthening and qi-regulating herbs by individuals with weak spleen and stomach or poor appetite. Although Sha Yuan Zi is relatively mild in nature, large single doses are not recommended for individuals with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, especially when used together with Sh熟地黄.

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Can Rehmannia glutinosa and Tribulus terrestris with Paeonia lactiflora improve kidney deficiency?

Under normal circumstances, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa) and Sha Yuan Zi Bai Shao (Tribulus terrestris and Paeonia lactiflora) can improve kidney deficiency, but traditional Chinese medicine should be used under a doctor's guidance. When combining all three herbs, dosages should be adjusted according to the specific type of kidney deficiency; for those with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, dosages of Rehmannia glutinosa and Tribulus terrestris should be reduced. Rehmannia glutinosa is rich and greasy in nature and excessive use may easily cause abdominal distension and reduced appetite in individuals with weak spleen and stomach; therefore, it should be combined with herbs that strengthen the spleen. Continuous, long-term use without interruption is not recommended.

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

Under normal circumstances, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa) and Sha Yuan Zi Bai Shao (likely referring to a combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia lactiflora) can be used together in decoctions, but it is recommended to consult a qualified physician before use. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is advised to use these herbs under the guidance of a professional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner based on individual diagnosis. During the course of treatment, maintain a light diet, avoid raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods, and keep a regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 schedule or routine), to promote recovery.