What Are the Benefits of Rehmannia Root?

Rehmannia root is the name of several flowering species in the Lamiales type of plants in Asia. The plant does not actually belong to any of these families because of its specific molecular structure. It is a perennial herb that is native to China, Korea and Japan.This origin made it one of the 50 basic herbs that has been used in Oriental medicine for thousands of years.

The plant also is known as dihuang, and is easy to recognize due to the flowers shaped like bells that are yellow or red/violet in color.

Rehmannia root is often used in Chinese herbal medicine, and also is known as Chinese Foxglove. It is used often in Asia as an effective tonic for the liver, kidney and heart to treat many ailments, such as diabetes, constipation, anemia, dizziness and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Rehmannia root has Vitamin A, B, C, amino acids, and rehmaglitin, all of which have strong anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. This root helps to stop the depletion of glycogen for hypoglycemia. It has a rich, starchy and sweet content that makes it effective as a cloying agent, which makes it good for improving liver function and digestion.

Rehmannia root has long been associated with better adrenal gland and kidney function. It appears to cut down on adrenal suppression of steroid hormones and it seems to help support the body in various autoimmune disorders, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

It also contains astringent compounds that can support the body against the formation of ulcers, and to generally reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Other compounds in the root help to cut down on the fragility of the capillaries, and to protect your adrenal glands and function of the liver.

Other uses for rehmannia root include:

• To prevent inflammation
• As a diuretic
• Vitality
• Regulation of the menstrual cycle
• To relieve symptoms of anemia
• To help with high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol problems
• To improve circulation
• To improve the function of the digestive tract

Chinese herbalists often use rehmannia root as a tonic with many purposes. The action seems to be helpful in improving the function of the kidneys, for a better urinary tract system and better cardiovascular health.