Rehmannia Root (Rehmannia glutinosa) & Scrophularia Root (Scrophularia ningpoensis) are two closely related herbs with such similar therapeutic uses that they are often used in formulas together. Rehmannia is especially useful for treating hormonal disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, thyroid imbalance and menopause. Chinese herbalists use it to restore vital force, to help the body adapt and endure physical and environmental stress and to reduce blood pressure.[1] Rehmannia preserves adrenal gland function and adrenal weight and supports adrenaldependent blood sugar metabolism.[2,3] Scrophularia supplements kidney chi (adrenal chi).*[4]
Schisandra Fruit (Schisandre chinesis) is used as an adaptogen for increasing energy and resistance to stress and disease. It normalizes blood pressure and blood glucose levels and stimulates the immune system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) specifically, Schisandra is used for physical exhaustion, depression, irritability and memory loss. Its lignan content may be antidepressant, anti-fatigue and tranquilizing.*[5]
Jujube (Zizyphus spinosa) is used in Chinese medicine for lack of appetite, fatigue, hysteria, hypertension and as a sedative. Jujube has also been used against stress ulcers.*[6]
Biota Seed, also called arborvitae seed contains aromatic compounds that have a sedative effect. It is used for heart palpitations, insomnia, debility and constipation.*
Don Quai Root (Angelica sinesis) is used in TCM to strengthen the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Dong quai has a mild sedative effect that can relieve stress and calm nerves.*
Chinese Asparagus Root (Asparagus cochinchinensis) is considered very cold in TCM. It is used to moisten dryness, nourish yin and treat constipation.*[7]
Ophiopogon Root (Ophiopogon japonicus) is known as Mai Men Dong in TCM. Its main function is as a tonic for yin deficiency. This herb, often combined with others is used to address insomnia, restlessness, irritability, hypertension, palpitations, thirst, dry mouth, fatigue and inhibits pathogens.*[8]
Panax Ginseng (white) is used as a general tonic to strengthen the body and restore vitality. It is used in the presence of stress-related symptoms such as: loss of appetite, nausea, listlessness, forgetfulness, dizziness, headache, insomnia. Ginseng stimulates the pituitary to secrete ACTH that in turn stimulates the adrenal activity. Ginseng also appears to enhance the immune system.*[9,10]
Chinese Salvia Root (Salvia miltiorrhiza) also known as Chinese sage or red sage root is used to support the liver and as a heart tonic that improves circulation. It may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.[11] Stress can cause bone loss. Tanshinone IIA, a substance in Salvia miltiorrhiza “has the potential to ameliorate boneresorption diseases in vivo by reducing both the number and activity of osteoclasts”.*[12]
Poria Fungus (Poria wol fiporia), a mushroom, is an attractive ingredient for a stress formula because it is known to reduce anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, tension, nervousness and insomnia.*[13]
Platycodon Root (Platycodon grandiflorum), is an ancient Chinese herb associated with reduced sensitivity for allergic reactions and reduced capillary permeability. It is used to treat diarrhea and edema, has analgesic and sedative effects and is beneficial for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers.*[14]
Acorus Rhizome (Acorus gramineus), or Japanese Sweet Flag has been used in Asia for more than 2000 years to lessen swelling and constipation. One of its components has a neuroprotective effect.*[15]
Directions
Take 2 capsules twice daily. This can be increased to 2 capsules 3 times daily if needed.
References
- Huang, CH: The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, 2nd Ed., CRC Press: NY 1999 (264-65)
- Collins, J. What’s Your Menopause Type? Roseville CA: Prima Health, 2000 [Bone, K, et al. How to Prescribe Herbal Medicines. Australia: Mediherb Pty Ltd, 1992]
- R, Zhou J, Jia Z, Zhang Y, Gu G. Hypoglycemic effect of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharide in hyperglycemic and alloxaninduced diabetic rats and its mechanism. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan;90(1):39-43. [PMID: 14698506]
- Subhuti D. Rehmannia.URL www.itmonline.org/arts/rehmann.htm (Accessed 28 July 04)
- Leung Ay, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd Ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996
- Chen J.,Chen, T. Suan Zoa Ren. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004, p.762 7.
- Chen J.,Chen, T. Tian Men Dong. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004, p.946 8.
- Chen J.,Chen, T. Tian Men Dong. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004, p.943- 945
- Chen J., Chen, T. Ren Shen. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004, p.835-840 10.
- Panax Ginseng. www.naturaldatabase.com {accessed 09 August 2006}
- Xia Z, Gu J, Ansley DM, Xia F, Yu J.Antioxidant therapy with Salvia miltiorrhiza decreases plasma endothelin-1 and thromboxane B2 after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003 Nov;126(5):1404-10. [PMID: 14666012]
- Kim HH, Kim JH, Kwak HB, Huang H, Han SH, Ha H, Lee SW, Woo ER, Lee ZH Inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by tanshinone IIA isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Biochem Pharmacol. 2004 May 1;67(9):1647-56. [PMID: 15081864]
- Poria fungus. www.naturaldatabase.com.{accessed 09 August 2006}
- Chen J., Chen, T. Jie Geng. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004, p.696-697 15.
- Cho J, Kim YH, Kong JY, Yang CH, Park CG. Protection of cultured rat cortical neurons from excitotoxicity by asarone, a major essential oil component in the rhizomes of Acorus gramineus. Life Sci. 2002 Jun 21;71(5):591-9 [PMID: 12052443]
