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What is Rehmannia?

A. Leverkuhn
A. Leverkuhn

Rehmannia is a group of plants in the order of Lamiales. Biologists are still figuring out the exact classification of the wider range of species that includes this plant. This kind of plant is often called Chinese Foxglove because of its similarity to the common Foxglove plant, scientifically called Digitalis. The Chinese Foxglove plant is grown in many temperate areas. It is a perennial.

In Europe and America, Rehmannia is often part of an ornamental garden. In Asia, herbal healers use the root for treating certain types of conditions. The unprocessed Rehmannia root is a common part of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries to help balance the body and nurture certain elements of personal health. According to homeopathic resources, the Chinese often believed the root would help support the “yin”, one of two essential harmonic elements in the overall duality of the body and the universe.

Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for a Chinese herbalist who may sell unprocessed Rehmannia root.
Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for a Chinese herbalist who may sell unprocessed Rehmannia root.

In its traditional medicinal uses, the Rehmannia or Chinese Foxglove is commonly used to treat anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, constipation, and other illnesses. The Rehmannia root has proved to be useful as an adrenal tonic. Medical experts contend that the Chinese Foxglove is safer than other types of adrenal tonics for those with high blood pressure or hypertension.

For thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have prescribed Rehmannia to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
For thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have prescribed Rehmannia to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to the above, some experts have shown that Rehmannia is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and can aid in the production of adrenal cortical hormones. This makes the plant a candidate for treating other conditions like alopecia, menopause, and impotence. The Chinese Foxglove can also be a remedy for inflammation related respiratory conditions like asthma.

Rehmannia is traditionally used to treat constipation.
Rehmannia is traditionally used to treat constipation.

The role of Rehmannia in treating all of the above conditions shows that it is useful as a conditioned stimulant. Science continues to look at ways that herbal remedies like these can be useful on the consumer market. As with all other kinds of homeopathy and herbal remedies, it makes sense to talk to doctors before self-medicating with a supplement like Rehmannia.

Some researchers assert that Rehmannia can be safe and effective at treating hypertension.
Some researchers assert that Rehmannia can be safe and effective at treating hypertension.

Although herbal supplements are not generally approved by the FDA, consumers can look for facilities that carry an FDA stamp of approval to find relatively safe consumer supplements for treating chronic conditions. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this kind of natural product. With the right attention to health and safety, essential oils and plants extracts such as these can help provide diversity in modern medical treatment.

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    • Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for a Chinese herbalist who may sell unprocessed Rehmannia root.
      By: Guillaume Baviere
      Some people find that the local Chinatown is a good place to look for a Chinese herbalist who may sell unprocessed Rehmannia root.
    • For thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have prescribed Rehmannia to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: idmanjoe
      For thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have prescribed Rehmannia to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Rehmannia is traditionally used to treat constipation.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Rehmannia is traditionally used to treat constipation.
    • Some researchers assert that Rehmannia can be safe and effective at treating hypertension.
      By: dambuster
      Some researchers assert that Rehmannia can be safe and effective at treating hypertension.