What is Rehmannia?
Rehmannia (Radix Rehmanniae) is considered a blood and yin tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Rehmannia health benefits include strengthening the kidneys, strengthening the adrenal glands, and tonifying the blood.
Many of the herbal formulas used here at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services contain Rehmannia as one of the main ingredients, so we thought you may be interested in the history, use, and effects of this amazing herb.
One of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehmannia blends used in our clinic is Rehmannia Assist Kidney.
In the Traditional Chinese Theory, kidney failure and kidney meridian dysfunction are a direct result of an imbalance of yin and yang. Rehmannia Assist Kidney helps to re-balance the yin and yang with its cooling herbs that nourish and tonify the kidney and it’s yin (fluids), bringing the kidney back to its best functioning condition.
In Chinese medical theory considers the kidney “the flame of life” and the lower back “the lumbar mansion” of the kidneys.
Individuals with kidney imbalance often experience weakness in the lower back, legs (hind legs in animals) and hearing loss.
The kidneys are responsible for nourishing the bones and marrow.
If the kidneys are depleted by chronic stress, imbalance, or age the lower back and legs will become week from lack of nourishment.
In addition, the kidneys nourish the ears. So, if the kidney yin is weak then the hearing will also be diminished.
Rehmannia Health Benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalists mostly use Rehmannia’s roots in their herbal formulas.
Rehmannia’s properties and taste are sweet, bitter, and cold. In addition, it affects the heart, liver, and kidney meridians.
The functions of Rehmannia are to clear heat, cool blood, nourish yin, and promote the production of body fluids.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) do not recommend Rehmannia in cases with excessive dampness or deficiency in the spleen, diarrhea, or a full sensation in the abdominal region.
Rehmannia Health Benefits in Western Herbal Medicine
Western herbalists classify Rehmannia as an adrenal tonic.
Studies have shown it to support the cells of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex during times of stress.
Studies have also shown it’s potential to help autoimmune conditions of the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Rehmannia is also useful for treating asthma, skin conditions, and arthritis.
Rehmannia also contains compounds that reduce inflammation and capillary fragility, protects the adrenal glands and tonify the blood.
Contraindications and Side Effects of Rehmannia
Rehmannia is not suitable for pregnant or lactating females. There is a possibility of nausea, bloating, and loose bowel movements with wits use.
Would you like to improve your pet’s health with natural remedies or herbal medicine?
Sources:
- Herbsmith Rx
- Rehmannia Health Benefits
- The Herbal Resource
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Basics
Note: It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before concluding that your pet has a particular ailment. Your veterinarian will also be able to recommend the best dosage of a particular remedy for your pet based on its symptoms, age, size, and specific needs.
