Rehmannia
Rehmannia glutinosa
1:4 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagyric tincture of prepared organic Rehmannia root, with purified salt principle added.
Planetary Ruler: Venus
 
Physical Properties*:
Rehmannia is an adrenal tonic of the highest order, it is arguably the top TCM herb for nourishing the kidneys (atop which the adrenals sit). Burn out is a common phrase these days, upon its utterance many will reach for their mid and lower back, where the kidneys and adrenals are… Rehmannia brings cooling and sweetening properties to the kidneys and adrenals which helps to make them plump and robust again. This herb is also deeply nourishing for the blood and is hence used to address anaemia and menstrual issues, also nourishing the sex organs of both men and women. It is one of the few herbs that increase the half-life of cortisol which is the body’s natural anti-inflammatory compound, this decreases pain but also reduces the taxation of the adrenals which may be continually having to produce cortisol due to various forms of stress. It also contains Catalpol, which appears to stimulate production of adrenal cortical hormones and have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Some other properties of Rehmannia include: auto-immune disease regulation, nervous system disorders, heart disease, nephritis, lupus, high and low blood pressure, tinnitus, skin conditions like eczema, blood clotting disorders, diabetes, dizziness, rheumatoid arthritis sarcomas and more.

Emotional Spiritual Properties:
Just relax! Whilst Rehmannia is not a nervine or commonly thought of sedative herb that may unwind the nervous system it does facilitate relaxation through balancing out the flight and fight response. Rehmannia can bring waves of joy to one’s being as it enters the pericardium, triple burner, sex meridian of the body – the pericardium being the layer of fluid that surrounds the heart. Rehmannia’s deep nourishment of this particular meridian facilitates entry into a more creative state of being, not so much a mind-based, intellectual form of creativity but a more body-based form that is born of a deepened and more hearty appreciation of life. Rehmannia helps those who are prone to always strive for more, recline back into greater acceptance and receptive stance wherefrom we can take in and be nourished by all that is good. For those who’s stress or drive keeps them from really enjoying intimate moments with another, it will enable their heart to harmonise the other organs and systems of the body to make love with greater freedom. Rehmannia can also lend a hand to those who struggle to receive, be it the nourishment of food, the beauty of a natural landscape, or the love and appreciation of friends and partners… this herb helps such people to feel firm in their heart, let go of it’s defences and constrictions that are unnecessary in that moment, and thenceforth be permeated by and share in good things.    

Contraindications:
-Those with weak digestion should avoid.
-Those with phlegm should avoid.
-Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid.
-May cause bloating and/or loose stool.
-Hypertension medication: Rehmannia may potentiate the effects of blood pressure lowering medications to make the blood pressure too low.
-Diabetes medications: Rehmannia may make blood sugar levels too low when used with antidiabetic medications.