Can Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) and Tribulus terrestris (Sha Yuan Zi) combined with Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) replenish qi and blood?

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) combined with White Peony root (Bai Shao) can nourish qi and blood, but they should be used according to medical advice. When combining these three herbs, the formula should be adjusted according to individual constitution. For individuals with yang deficiency constitution, the amount of Tribulus fruit (Sha Yuan Zi) may be appropriately increased to balance the herbal properties. Cooked Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) is nourishing and腻 (nì, sticky/nourishing), and excessive use may hinder spleen and stomach function, affecting the production of qi and blood; therefore, its dosage should be controlled. For individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, warm-natured ingredients may be combined to neutralize the slightly cold nature of White Peony root (Bai Shao).

Generally speaking, cooked rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) and cassia seed (Sha Yuan Zi) combined with white peony (Bai Shao) can help nourish qi and blood, but they should be used according to medical advice. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Cooked rehmannia is sweet, warm, and moist in nature, entering the liver and kidney meridians. It not only nourishes kidney yin but also replenishes blood, providing the material basis for generating qi and blood. It is effective in improving symptoms caused by blood deficiency, such as sallow complexion, dizziness, and palpitations. Although cassia seed is primarily known for nourishing the kidney and consolidating essence, it also enters the liver and kidney meridians. Since the liver and kidney are interrelated (liver and kidney share the same origin), its function of nourishing the liver can promote liver blood production, indirectly supporting the abundance of qi and blood. Additionally, its warm nature can help stimulate the circulation of qi and blood. White peony is sweet and sour with slightly cold properties, entering the liver and spleen meridians. It nourishes blood and regulates menstruation, directly supplementing liver blood. Since the spleen is the source of qi and blood generation, its action on the spleen meridian can synergistically enhance the function of the spleen and stomach in transforming and transporting nutrients, thus promoting the production of qi and blood. When used together, cooked rehmannia nourishes blood and enriches yin, cassia seed supports liver function and facilitates blood production, and white peony nourishes blood while enhancing the transformation and transportation functions of the spleen and stomach, collectively exerting the effect of replenishing qi and blood.

When using these three herbs together, dosages should be adjusted based on individual constitution. For individuals with yang deficiency constitution, the dosage of cassia seed can be appropriately increased to balance the herbal properties. Cooked rehmannia is rich and greasy in nature and excessive use may hinder the transformation and transportation functions of the spleen and stomach, thereby affecting the generation of qi and blood, so its dosage should be controlled. For those with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, warming ingredients can be combined to neutralize the slightly cold nature of white peony. Replenishing qi and blood should be a gradual process and should not be rushed. If discomfort occurs after taking the herbs, timely adjustments should be made.

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Is it effective to take Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang) together with Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi) and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao)?

If symptoms such as weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, or blurred vision caused by deficiency of the liver and kidney, or pallor and irregular menstruation due to blood deficiency are present, combining these three herbs can produce a synergistic effect. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang) nourishes the kidney and replenishes yin; Astragalus Seed (Sha Yuan Zi) strengthens the kidney and consolidates essence; White Peony Root (Bai Shao) nourishes the blood and soothes the liver. Together, they effectively nourish the liver and kidney and regulate qi and blood, thereby supporting the body's overall regulation and recovery.

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Shudihuang, Sand苑zi, and Baishao for anemia: Do they help?

Under normal circumstances, cooked Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus seed (Sha Yuan Zi), and white peony root (Bai Shao) may help improve anemia to some extent, but they should be used appropriately. When using these three herbs as adjuvants for improving anemia, attention should be paid to purchasing high-quality products from reputable sources to ensure efficacy. They should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid self-medication. Caution should be exercised in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency or indigestion.

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Is it okay to cook a soup with prepared Rehmannia root, Astragalus seed, and white peony root together?

Under normal circumstances, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus complanatus), and Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) can be cooked together in a soup. However, it is recommended to consult a professional physician before use. When preparing the soup, the amount of Shu Di Huang should not be excessive to avoid making the soup overly rich and greasy. Ingredients such as red dates and goji berries can be added to enhance the taste and nourishing effects. Sufficient decoction time is required, as Shu Di Huang has a hard texture; it is recommended to soak it for half an hour before cooking it together with the other herbs.

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Can the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus complanatus seeds, and Paeonia lactiflora regulate menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) can help regulate menstruation, although its effectiveness may be limited. Dosage adjustments should be made according to specific symptoms when regulating menstruation: for individuals with light menstrual flow, the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa may be appropriately increased; for those experiencing significant abdominal pain during menstruation, the proportion of Paeonia lactiflora can be increased. Patients with weak spleen and stomach should control the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa to avoid excessive greasiness that may impair gastric function and absorption. This combination should be discontinued during periods of heavy menstrual bleeding.