Fresh Rehmannia Root

The root of Rehmannia glutinosa, cleaned then dried — one of the most emblematic plants of the Chinese pharmacopoeia.

The “Sheng” denotes its raw, dried form (as against Shu Di Huang, its version prepared nine times over).

Its fleshy tubers, black and glossy after drying, give off a characteristic sweet-bitter savour and a slightly sticky texture.

The reference herb for constitutions where heat settles deep in the Blood and the Yin.

Traditionally used to cool a heated Blood, to engender the fluids in inner dryness, and within the register of the deep Yin made fragile by prolonged heat.

• Long decoction: 10 to 30 g, simmer for 35 to 45 minutes to extract it properly
• To be distinguished from Shu Di Huang: Sheng Di cools, Shu Di supplements the Blood — not to be confused
• In a classic blend: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (prepared) or the blends against Heat (raw)

To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold, of a weakened work of transformation (it moistens too much), or of chronically loose stools.

A herb generous in liquids, to be offset in a blend with herbs that move more.