Rehmannia glutinosa may have a name that’s hard to pronounce, but its potential health benefits are clear. From supporting vital organs like the kidneys, heart, and liver to promoting normal blood circulation and a healthy female reproductive system, Rehmannia glutinosa is used the world-over to supplement good health. If you’re ready to experience for yourself how Rehmannia glutinosa may help you meet your natural health goals, read on for everything you need to know!
What is Rehmannia Glutinosa?
Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb that is appreciated both for its superficial beauty and wide range of potential health benefits. It is often grown as a decorative garden plant across Europe and North America, while its medicinal effects have been taken advantage of for thousands of years. First mentioned in Chinese medicinal literature in 2000 BCE, Rehmannia glutinosa was eventually brought to the West at the start of the 18th-century and has been a vital part of natural health ever since. Made up of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as amino acids and other compounds like cerebroside, dammelittoside, melittoside, and rehmaglitin, it’s no wonder this wonder plant is revered by herbal medicinal practitioners around the world.
Rehmannia Glutinosa Herbal Uses
Rehmannia glutinosa is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alongside other well-known herbs like Camellia sinensis (tea tree) and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice). Known in herbal medicine as a supporter of the heart, kidneys, and liver, Rehmannia glutinosa is used in a number of ways. The rehmannia plant is particularly unique in that the entire plant is used in Chinese medicine, pulling nutrients, minerals, and other compounds all the way down to its sticky root. A sweetly flavored herb, Rehmannia glutinosa is often combined with other herbs in both Chinese and Japanese medicine.
Key Benefits of Rehmannia Glutinosa
There are seemingly countless potential health benefits from Rehmannia glutinosa; listing them would take up a whole blog post just on its own! Instead, we’ve decided to share our top 10 favorites.
- Promotes a healthy liver
- Helps maintain good blood circulation and flow throughout the body
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Considered a tonifying herb to support blood, bones, and oxygen levels
- Promotes healthy kidneys
- Helps maintain hormonal systems of the body, including testosterone levels, symptoms related to menopause, and the overall female reproductive system
- Promotes brain health and cognitive performance
- Supports gastrointestinal health
- May help maintain regular energy levels
- Promotes fertility
How to Use Rehmannia Glutinosa
Rehmannia glutinosa is most commonly used as either a tablet or in liquid extract form. Because much of the herb’s beneficial qualities come from its sticky (and slightly smelly) root, distilling the herb into a capsule or liquid form will allow easy access and help to maximize its potential benefits.
Potential Side Effects When Using Rehmannia Glutinosa
Of course, no medicine comes without side effects, and while herbal supplements have much less likelihood of adverse interactions, there are a few things you want to look out for when using Rehmannia glutinosa to supplement your health. Some rare side effects include symptoms related to abdominal pain including bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. There is also a small chance of dizziness and allergies. As a best practice, if you decide to try out Rehmannia glutinosa, start with small doses. If you experience any adverse side effects, take a break and consult with your healthcare provider.
Where to Find Rehmannia Glutinosa
Are you ready to discover how Rehmannia glutinosa can impact and supplement your health? Visit Natural Healthy Concepts and order our 1-oz. Rehmannia Liquid Extract from Herb Pharm as a start! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments section below
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Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.
