Rehmanniae Pill

[Formula] Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang) 1500g (pound to extract juice), Prunus Armeniaca Semen (Xing Ren) 2500g (remove peel and tips of both kernels, grind with Rehmanniae Radix juice into a paste), Perillae Fructus Oil (Wu Ma You) 1000g (grind with Rehmanniae Radix juice and wring out the juice), Juglandis Semen (Hu Tao Rang) 500g (grind separately with Prunus Armeniaca Semen), Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (Da Ma You) 1000g, Caryophylli Flos (Ding Xiang), Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niu Xi, sliced), Ginseng Radix (Ren Shen), Poria (Bai Fu Ling, remove the black outer layer) 90g each, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (Jian Xiang), Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Chen Xiang, shredded), Benzoinum (An Xi Xiang, pound into pieces the size of chess pieces and boil in water until softened) 60g each, Galla Rhois (Wu Shi Zi), Chebulae Fructus Pericarpium (He Li Le Pi) 150g each, Salicis Cortex (Liu Zhi Pi, roast until dry), Halite (Yan Hua) 90g each, Pinus Resinosa (Song Zhi, put in a cloth bag, boil in water; the high-quality resin will melt out; when the water cools, it will solidify; if not white enough, change the cloth bag and boil until extremely white) 240g, Borneolum (Long Nao) 0.3g, Mel (Bai Mi) 1000g, Butyrum (Su) 500g

[Usage] Grind the above into an extremely fine powder. Mix it with the other herbs and rehmannia juice to form a paste. Store it in three porcelain bottles, with about 0.7 liang (a traditional Chinese unit of weight, approximately 37 grams) in each bottle, not filling them to the brim. Place the bottles on bricks inside a stove and surround them with fire. When the medicine in the bottles starts to boil, stir it with willow branches. When it is about to dry, keep adding rehmannia juice until it is all used up. Check it from time to time. Stop when it can be made into pills. Let it cool and then store the medicine, covering the top with wax paper to helps maintain air leakage. After meals, dissolve 1 pill (the size of a bullet) in the mouth and swallow the saliva. Take it 3 times during the day and 1 time at night. You will feel the effects after 10 days and see significant results after 100 days. When first taking the medicine, stay in a clean room for 1 month. Avoid radish, lotus root, and garlic. Regularly consuming a small amount of ginger will speed up the effects.

[Functions] Nourishes the beard and hair, strengthens the teeth and gums, replenishes blood and qi, improves complexion, and prolongs life.

[Indications] Dry and withered beard and hair, loose teeth, premature aging.

[Commentary] This formula primarily consists of four medicinal substances: Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen), Poria (Fu Ling), and white honey. These four ingredients constitute Qiongyu Paste from Tieweng Xiansheng, a secret formula used in the Ming Dynasty imperial court for blackening the beard and hair and promoting longevity. Additionally, black sesame oil, Prunus armeniaca L. seed (Xing Ren), Juglans regia L. kernel (Hu Tao Rang), Cannabis sativa L. seed oil (Da Ma You), Galla Rhois (Wu Shi Zi), Terminalia chebula Retz. pericarp (He Li Le Pi), and butter are added to stimulate hair growth and moisturize the hair. Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niu Xi) nourishes the Liver and Kidneys. Eugenia caryophyllus Thunb. flower bud (Ding Xiang), Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang), Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (Jian Xiang), Aquilariae agallocha Roxb. lignum resinatum (Chen Xiang), Benzoinum (An Xi Xiang), Pinus resinosa Siebold & Zucc. resin (Song Zhi), and Styrax benzoin Dryander resin (Long Nao Xiang) promote and protect hair growth. Therefore, this formula not only nourishes the beard and hair but also replenishes qi and blood, improves complexion, and promotes longevity.

Q1: What are the primary benefits of rehmanniae pill?

A1: Rehmanniae pill benefits include nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and promoting lung and kidney health. It is particularly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to supplement essence and blood, alleviate constipation, and support respiratory function, making it a classic formula for deficiency patterns.

Q2: How is rehmanniae pill used in traditional Chinese medicine?

A2: In rehmanniae pill traditional Chinese medicine, it is typically prescribed for conditions like chronic cough, dry throat, and constipation due to yin deficiency. The formula combines ingredients such as Rehmanniae Radix and Prunus Armeniaca Semen to harmonize the lungs and kidneys, often administered as a pill or decoction under professional guidance.

Q3: What is the recommended rehmanniae pill dosage?

A3: Rehmanniae pill dosage should be determined by a qualified TCM practitioner, as it varies based on individual constitution and condition severity. Generally, adult doses range from 6 to 9 grams per day, divided into two to three administrations, but precise dosing requires assessment of the patient’s specific needs.

Q4: What are the common rehmanniae pill uses?

A4: Common rehmanniae pill uses include addressing constipation, dry cough, and chronic respiratory issues linked to yin deficiency. It is also employed to manage symptoms of fatigue, thirst, and heat sensations in the palms and soles, reflecting its role in restoring fluid balance and nourishing internal organs.

Q5: What is the history of rehmanniae pill?

A5: The rehmanniae pill history traces back to classical TCM texts, such as the Song dynasty formulary ‘Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang’, where it was developed as a honey pill formula. Its enduring use over centuries underscores its efficacy in treating deficiency patterns, with ingredients like Rehmanniae Radix and Perillae Fructus Oil reflecting ancient pharmaceutical techniques.

Q6: Can rehmanniae pill be taken long-term?

A6: Long-term use of rehmanniae pill is generally considered safe when prescribed by a TCM practitioner for chronic deficiency conditions. However, because the formula contains laxative components like Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, prolonged use should be monitored to prevent dependency or imbalance, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Q7: Are there any side effects associated with rehmanniae pill?

A7: Side effects of rehmanniae pill are uncommon but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or loose stools due to its moistening properties. Individuals with dampness or weak spleen function should use caution, as the formula’s rich, nourishing nature might exacerbate digestive issues; professional oversight is advised.