Can Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus complanatus, and Paeonia lactiflora enhance immunity?

Aug 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Sh熟地黄 (Rehmannia glutinosa), Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus complanatus), and Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) can help enhance immunity. However, traditional Chinese medicines should be used under the guidance of a physician. Boosting immunity requires individualized adjustment of the dosages of these three herbs. Individuals with a constitution leaning towards deficiency may appropriately increase the dosage of Sh熟地黄. Sh熟地黄 has a rich and sticky nature, so those with weak spleen and stomach function should control the dosage or combine it with spleen-strengthening ingredients. It should not be regarded as the sole method for enhancing immunity.

Under normal circumstances, Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) can enhance immunity. However, Chinese herbal medicine should be used under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Rehmannia glutinosa nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney and replenishes essence and blood. When the liver and kidney are sufficient, the body's foundation is solid, and essence and blood provide the material basis for normal immune function, thereby enhancing the body's ability to resist external pathogens. Astragalus complanatus fortifies kidney essence and nourishes the liver. The kidney is regarded as the foundation of constitution; when kidney qi is abundant, the body's disease resistance is enhanced. The liver governs free coursing and regulates qi and blood circulation, creating a favorable environment for immune system function. Its consolidating effect also helps reduce the dissipation of vital energy within the body. Paeonia lactiflora nourishes blood and softens the liver. Sufficient blood moistens and nourishes all the internal organs and tissues—including immune-related organs—while its liver-softening effect helps prevent liver qi stagnation from disrupting the harmony of qi and blood, indirectly supporting immune system stability. Together, these three herbs work synergistically to nourish the liver and kidney, replenish essence and blood, and harmonize qi and blood, thereby enhancing immunity.

Adjusting the dosage of these herbs according to individual conditions is important for boosting immunity. Individuals with a constitution leaning toward deficiency may appropriately increase the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa. However, due to its greasy nature, those with weak spleen and stomach function should control the dosage or combine it with ingredients that strengthen the spleen. It should not be considered the sole method for enhancing immunity; a combination of moderate exercise, regular sleep patterns, and other healthy lifestyle practices is also essential.

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