RESTORATIVE TONIC – BLOOD NOURISHING – KIDNEY SUPPORT

(Rehmannia glutinosa) with its thick, dark medicinal root is a cooling and deeply nourishing moisture tonic and energy restorative tonic revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This plant traditionally supports prolonged stress and adrenal function, hormonal energy balance, and restoration in cases of chronic fatigue, burnout, and inflammation. It’s your herb for rebuilding from deep depletion, especially for women’s health, autoimmune heat patterns, and long-term vitality.

Traditional uses:

• Body and Blood Tonic – nourishes depleted energy, blood and body fluids in cases of dryness, fatigue, hot flushes, dizziness, and paleness.

• Kidney and adrenal support – supports chronic fatigue, burnout, premature ageing, dragging lower back pain and hormonal depletion by nourishing reserve energy, moisture and vitality essence.

• Autoimmune and inflammation – cools internal heat, supports joint comfort, and soothes systemic inflammation.

• Menstrual and menopausal support – moisturizes and cools heat - calms hot flushes, irregular cycles, and hormonal dryness in perimenopause.

As a tincture … Convenient dose in water - Take 30–60 ml per week or 4 - 8 ml per day of a 1:2 tincture with 25% alcohol.

As dried sliced root … simmer 15–30 gm gently in soups or medicinal stews.

As a tea … simmer 1–2 tsp of root with other sweet roots like licorice or astragalus for 20 minutes. Strain and sip.

Most like:

• Dong Quai– both nourish blood and support women’s cycles. Rehmannia is deeper acting on kidney and adrenal restoration where Dong Quai supports blood strength.

• Peony – supports blood and hormone balance, but Rehmannia also deeply nourishes yin and rebuilds over time.

• Ashwagandha/ Withania– both help with fatigue and hormonal depletion, though Rehmannia is more cooling and moistening. Both support stress and energy reserve.

• Licorice – adrenal supporting like Rehmannia, but more harmonising and sweet. Rehmannia is more restorative.

Caution:

Use with care in cases of dampness, sluggish digestion, or loose bowels.
Not for acute infections or cold conditions.
Check with a practitioner if on immunosuppressive drugs or managing autoimmune conditions.
Avoid during pregnancy.