Brand name:
Chinese Foxglove Root
Latin name: Rehmannia glutinosa
A Remedy For
In China, this herb is often
recommended for insomnia, restlessness, night sweats, chronic fever, and hot
flashes. It's also considered a remedy for menstrual irregularity and uterine
bleeding, especially after childbirth, and is taken for light-headedness,
palpitations, stiff joints, low back pain, constipation, blurred vision, and
hearing problems. Its effectiveness
remains to be verified.
What It Is; Why It Works
In Chinese medicine, this thick,
reddish yellow root is often cooked in wine and used as a tonic for the effects
of aging. Its mode of action is unknown.
Avoid If...
People with digestive problems,
especially those with a tendency to
develop gas or bloating, should use
Chinese Foxglove carefully; the
cooked root can distend the abdomen
and cause loose stools.
Special Cautions
Side effects may include diarrhea,
nausea, and abdominal pain. To prevent
these problems, Chinese herbalists
frequently include in their Chinese
Foxglove preparations an additive
called "grains-of-paradise fruit."
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
Both the cooked root and the raw
version can be found in Chinese
pharmacies, Asian markets, and some
Western health food stores.
Typical Dosage
There are no formal guidelines on
record. Chinese medical practitioners
often use Chinese Foxglove as part
of various therapeutic combinations.
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is
available.
