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.