The efficacy of using raw and cooked Rehmannia together

Raw Rehmannia root and cooked Rehmannia root are actually the more common Chinese herbal medicines, and one of them belongs to the raw Rehmannia root. The two have obvious differences in appearance and there are certain differences in functions. Therefore, many people are very concerned about what are the effects of using raw and cooked Rehmannia root together?

The two medicines are used together to promote each other and their effects are enhanced. Together they can replenish blood, qi, and yin, clear away heat, and cool blood. Raw Rehmannia has the effects of dispersing blood, clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting body fluid and quenching thirst, as well as replenishing Qi and blood. For example, Liuwei Dihuang Pills select raw Rehmannia as the main ingredient, which can effectively treat chronic nephritis, neurasthenia, hypertension, tuberculosis and many other diseases. Cooked Rehmannia is a blood tonic. When combined with Chuanxiong, Chuanxiong and red peony root, it becomes the Siwu Decoction we all know, which can effectively treat deficiency of both Qi and blood. Although there is a significant difference in the medicinal power between cooked rehmannia and raw rehmannia, the two can still be taken together to achieve the effect of dispersing blood and give full play to the effect of nourishing blood and Qi.

Specific clinical medical application production

1. Suitable for those with kidney yin deficiency, oligospermia, or qi and blood deficiency with blood heat. If fever occurs due to deficiency of both Qi and blood, this medicine pair can be used; if night sweats occur due to deficiency of Yin, it can be combined with Chuanxiong, Scutellaria baicalensis, Bupleurum, etc.

2. Bleeding syndrome due to kidney yin deficiency and heat. It can be used together for hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematemesis, fetal bleeding, and metrorrhagia.

3. It can be used for menstrual disorders, infertility, dysmenorrhea, and female menopausal syndrome caused by insufficient kidney essence, deficiency of yin blood and virtual fire.

In clinical medicine, it is common in patients with Yin deficiency such as chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, postoperative fever and night sweats, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, constipation, eczema, psoriasis, chapped hands and feet, recurrent oral ulcers, and chronic pharyngitis.

Modern scientific research shows that Rehmannia root can resist the decrease of blood corticosterone concentration after continuous taking of dexamethasone and prevent adrenal shrinkage. Intragastric administration of raw Rehmannia root decoction can significantly reduce the vitamin C content in the adrenal glands of rats. This shows that raw Rehmannia root has the ability to resist the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on the pituitary-adrenal system and promote the production of adrenal growth hormone.

Specific usage method: Dosage: Cooked Rehmannia root, 9~15g; Raw Rehmannia root, 9~15g. Decoction in water.

Specific application: The two medicines are greasy and stomach-damaging. Those who have qi stagnation and blood stasis, cough with excessive sputum, abdominal distension and pain, poor appetite and loose stools should not take them.

Specific notes: The combination of cooked rehmannia and raw rehmannia is derived from the Danggui Liuhuang Decoction in "Lanshi Mizang", which is mainly used to treat yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire, which is commonly seen in hyperthyroidism nowadays. Rehmannia glutinosa is made by steaming and drying Rehmannia glutinosa several times, which changes from a sweet and cold taste to a sweet and slightly warm taste. It is greasy in nature and can easily help dampness and hinder the stomach, causing loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, etc. Therefore, the dosage of this medicine should not be too large, generally within 15g.