Can Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) and Tribulus terrestris (Sha Yuan Zi) with Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) be taken together?
Aug 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, cooked Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) and Tribulus fruit (Sha Yuan Zi) can be taken together, but it should be done under medical supervision. When taken concurrently, the dosages of each should be controlled, as excessive amounts may increase the body's burden. Patients with weak spleen and stomach may take them in divided doses to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by consuming too much cooked Rehmannia root at once. If symptoms such as dry mouth or abdominal distension occur during use, the dosage should be reduced or discontinued.
Generally speaking, cooked rehmannia (Sh熟地黄) and astragalus seed (沙苑子) can be taken together with white peony root (白芍), but it should be done under the guidance of a physician. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Cooked rehmannia, astragalus seed, and white peony root all have mild properties and no contraindications for combination. Taking them together will not cause adverse reactions. Cooked rehmannia nourishes the yin of the liver and kidneys, astragalus seed benefits the kidneys and supports the liver, while white peony root nourishes the blood and soothes the liver. Their effects complement each other, and when taken together, they can nourish the liver and kidneys and enrich yin and blood from different angles, enhancing the overall regulatory effects on the body. This combination is particularly suitable for individuals with deficiency of liver and kidney or insufficiency of yin and blood. Furthermore, their components can work synergistically within the body—for example, the yin-nourishing effect of cooked rehmannia complements the blood-nourishing action of white peony root, while the kidney-strengthening property of astragalus seed works in harmony with the nourishing effects of the other two herbs, collectively maintaining the body's yin-yang balance.
When taking them together, it is important to control the dosage of each herb, as excessive amounts may increase the body's burden. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach function may take them in divided doses to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by excessive intake of cooked rehmannia at once. If symptoms such as dry mouth or abdominal distension occur during use, the dosage should be reduced or discontinued.
