Can Shu Di Huang, Sha Yuan Zi, and Bai Shao be used to treat insomnia?

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 be used to treat insomnia, but their effectiveness is limited. When treating insomnia, the dosage of these herbs should be adjusted according to the underlying cause. For insomnia caused by yin deficiency, the proportion of Sh熟地黄 can be appropriately increased. However, Sh熟地黄 is rich and腻 (slippery), and excessive use may worsen abdominal distension in individuals with poor digestion, thereby affecting sleep quality. Insomnia has complex etiologies and, in cases caused by severe organic diseases,

Generally speaking, Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared), Astragalus complanatus seeds, and white peony root can be used to treat insomnia, but their effectiveness is limited. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Rehmannia glutinosa nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney and replenishes the essence and marrow. When liver and kidney yin are sufficient, the spirit (Shen) is properly nourished, thereby improving insomnia caused by yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity and an unsettled mind. Astragalus complanatus seeds tonify the kidney and consolidate essence, as well as nourish the liver and improve vision. By strengthening kidney qi and enriching liver blood, they help stabilize bodily functions and reduce mental disturbances caused by liver and kidney deficiency, thus promoting sleep. White peony root nourishes the blood, soothes the liver, and subdues hyperactive liver yang. It can relieve irritability and anxiety caused by liver qi stagnation and excessive liver yang, thereby reducing the disturbance of these emotions on sleep. Combined, these three herbs regulate the body through nourishing yin, nourishing the liver, and tonifying the kidney, thus calming the spirit and treating insomnia.

When using these herbs to treat insomnia, the dosage should be adjusted according to the specific cause of insomnia. For insomnia caused by yin deficiency, the proportion of Rehmannia glutinosa may be appropriately increased. However, as Rehmannia glutinosa is rich and greasy in texture, excessive use in individuals with weak digestion may worsen abdominal distension and affect sleep quality. Insomnia has complex etiologies, and if caused by a severe organic disease, this combination alone is insufficient for treatment. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding staying up late, and minimizing emotional fluctuations are also important during treatment.

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