Chinese Foxglove, also known as Rehmannia is a genus of six species of flowering plants in the order Lamiales, endemic to China.
Contents
Uses
- Sometimes known as Chinese Foxglove due to its superficial resemblance to the genus Digitalis, the species of Rehmannia are perennial herbs. The plants have large flowers and are grown as ornamental garden plants in Europe and North America, and are used medicinally in Asia.
- Known as dìhuáng (地黄) or gān dìhuáng (干地黄) in Chinese, R. glutinosa is used as a medicinal herb for arthritic conditions within Chinese traditional formulations
Benefits
- Rehmannia is majorly associated with adrenal gland and kidney conditions. It decreases adrenal suppression of steroid hormones and works well against autoimmune disorders (fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis).
- Restorative properties of rehmannia have been known for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine. Today, it is commonly used in the patients with broken bones – for repairing damaged center, broken bones, and enhancing the regeneration of muscles and tissues.
- The vitamin content make rehmania an effective remedy for fever and colds, inflammation and dizziness.
- Women with severe PMS and menstrual disorder symptoms will find rehmannia helpful for the major troubles of the condition. Its action stimulates hormonal balance, reduces bleeding, relieves anemia, headaches, and regulates menstrual cycle.
- Astringent properties of Rehmannia make it useful in treating external and internal bleeding – it stops blood in ulcers, wounds, nasal and vaginal bleeding. Moreover, the herb will purify the blood and reduce the pressure in it.
- Chinese herbalist use rehmannia as multi-purpose tonic. Its action improves kidney function, urinary tract health (especially in men), cardiovascular system and cholesterol levels, blood circulation, digestion, deafness, vertigo and sexual health. Tonic properties make rehmannia an anti-aging herb. The animal study was based on controlling life extending effects of the herb and used old rats. Those that were associated with rehmannia usage showed an increased stamina and moved more on the running-wheel as compared to those that did not consume the herb. When applied to skin, rehmannia treats eczema, psoriasis, wounds and cuts
Cautions
Chronic liver disease and GI disease, including diarrhea.
Interactions
Unknown, please consult with your doctor.
Other names
Rehmannia
References
Source: Chinese herbs, http://www.chinese-herbs.org/rehmannia/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rehmannia
Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/npp/chinese-foxglove.html