Answers to your questions about herbal medicine and our products

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Cured and uncured?

Question

I have been using the new edition of Phytotherapy Desk Reference. Thank you – I find it a very practical and user friendly tool in clinic.

I have noticed that under the herb heading Rehmannia glutinosa (and there are probably others) that you list Indications (uncured) and Indications (cured). I have not come across this terminology before and am unsure what it means. Could you please explain it and the implications for purchasing, dispensing and prescribing, or direct me to a helpful reference?

DW, Gold Coast, Australia

Answer

Uncured rehmannia is just the raw herb extracted either in hot water or ethanol-water.

Cured rehmannia is when the raw herb is cooked in wine, steamed and then dried before extraction.

Cured rehmannia (shu di hung) is used traditionally to promote blood production, regulate menstruation, as a blood tonic for anemia, dizziness, weakness, tinnitus, amenorrhea and metrorrhagia, premature greying of the hair, diabetes, vertigo.

The rehmannia mostly available to in Australia, especially in liquid form, is the uncured form.

Michael