Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang)
Rehmannia glutinosa raw
About Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang)
Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) (Rehmannia glutinosa raw) is a herb used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine tradition to help with Fever, Anemia, Hormonal Imbalance, and Diabetes, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⛔ Diabetes Medications
May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
May affect blood sugar
Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.
Where to find in nature
Native region
China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan
Climate
Temperate to subtropical
Habitat
Mountain forests, river valleys, and cultivated herb farms throughout East Asia
🌿 To see Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Chinese herbal medicine shops and TCM clinics
- Chinatown herbal stores and Asian supermarkets with herbal sections
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Chinese Foxglove (Sheng Di Huang), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.