Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a member of the Orobanche family, native to China, East Asia, and Asia. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Foxglove
Scientific Name	Rehmannia glutinosa
Plant Family	Orobanche
Genus	Rehmannia
Species	glutinosa
Native Range	China, East Asia, Asia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rehmannia glutinosa
Common Name: Chinese Foxglove
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Rehmannia, Ginseng Root, Rehmannia Root
Plant Family: Orobanche
Genus: Rehmannia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 0.3 to 1.5 meters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with smooth, glabrous surfaces, and nodes bearing opposite, scale-like stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Tibetan Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Commonly referenced as a moderate tonic, in whole-system applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a mild sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a calming astringent, in drying-focused uses.

Active Compounds

Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Specific general precautions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.