Sheng Di Huang Single Extract Herb (5X) — ActiveHerb

If you’re shopping for Sheng Di Huang (生地黄), you’re not looking for a garden plant or a vague herb blurb — you want the real TCM herb, in a form that’s easy to use consistently.

This product is Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia root) in 5X concentrated extract granules — designed for modern use while staying rooted in classical tradition. Sheng Di Huang is widely described in Traditional Chinese Medicine as sweet, bitter, and cold, traditionally used to clear heat, cool blood, and nourish Yin fluids.

Quick Facts On Sheng Di Huang

• Common Name: Raw Rehmannia Root / Tuber

• Pin Yin: Sheng Di Huang (also seen as Di Huang – Sheng)

• Botanical Name: Rehmannia glutinosa (raw root)

• Form: 5X extract granules

• Net Weight: 100g (3.5 oz)

• Ingredients: 82% extract + 18% dextrin (carrier)

• Active Marker (listed): Verbascoside ≥ 0.05 mg/g

• Origin: China

• Brand: ActiveHerb

• Cautions: Not for pregnancy/nursing; avoid large doses; discontinue if adverse effects occur

What is Sheng Di Huang?

Sheng Di Huang is the raw (unprocessed) root of Rehmannia glutinosa. In classical TCM language it is described as cold in nature and traditionally used for patterns associated with heat and Yin fluid depletion. Modern research reviews and studies commonly discuss catalpol (an iridoid glycoside) as one of the notable constituents studied in Rehmannia.

Why that matters: Many people confuse raw Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) with prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) — and they are not interchangeable.

Sheng Di Huang vs Shu Di Huang

Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia)

• Nature: cold (traditionally used when “heat” is present)

• Traditional focus: clearing heat, cooling blood, supporting Yin fluids (TCM pattern language)

Shu Di Huang (Prepared/Cooked Rehmannia)

• Nature: warm / slightly warm (traditionally more “tonifying”)

• Traditional focus: nourishing Blood/Yin and Essence in chronic deficiency patterns (TCM pattern language)

Translation: If you meant Shu Di Huang, this is not that product 

Why 5X Extract Granules 

Granules are a favorite among practitioners and experienced herb users because they can be:

• Faster and cleaner than decoctions

• Easier to travel with

• Simple to measure consistently

• More practical for daily routines

A 5X extract generally means the granules are made from a larger amount of raw herb to produce a smaller amount of concentrated extract (the exact extraction yield varies by manufacturer and herb). 

How to Use 5X Granules (Quick Mixing Guide)

Step 1 — Measure
Start with the amount recommended by your practitioner (or your label directions).

Step 2 — Add warm water
Mix into 4–8 oz (½–1 cup) of warm water.
Tip: Warm water dissolves granules faster than cold.

Step 3 — Dissolve fully

• Stir briskly for 20–30 seconds, or

• Use a small milk frother for a smoother mix.

Step 4 — Drink & adjust
Sip right away. If the flavor is strong, you can add a little more warm water.

Taste note (what to expect)
Sheng Di Huang granules are often described as earthy and slightly bitter.
If you prefer, mix into a mild tea or add a small amount of honey (optional).

When to take (general guidance)
Most customers take granules in the morning or early afternoon as part of a routine.
If you’re sensitive to flavors or digestion, some people prefer taking them after a small meal.
(For personalized timing and dosage, follow practitioner guidance.)

Quick Tip for busy days
Pre-mix in a small jar with warm water, shake well, and drink within a short time for best texture.

What Does “5X” Mean? 

5X means these granules are made from a concentrated extract of the original herb. In other words, more raw herb is used to create a smaller amount of extract.
Because extraction methods and yields vary, “5X” is a concentration reference and can differ by manufacturer.

Why you can trust this product

• It includes a carrier (dextrin) for consistent granules, and

• It lists an active marker compound (verbascoside) 

Traditionally Uses

Traditional TCM uses (pattern language)

• Supports the body during “heat” patterns (TCM framework)

• Traditionally used to “cool blood” and support Yin fluids (TCM framework)

What modern research has explored

Research reviews and preclinical studies have investigated constituents of Rehmannia (especially catalpol) for:

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity (experimental studies)

• Metabolic pathway support studied in experimental settings (e.g., glucose/lipid-related mechanisms)

• Neuroprotective pathways studied in experimental models

These are research areas, not promises of results. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Who should NOT use this product 

• Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

• Avoid large doses; discontinue if you experience unwanted effects.

• If you have a medical condition or take medications, consult a qualified clinician before use.

Quality 

• Ingredient transparency (82% extract + 18% dextrin)

• Marker compound listed (verbascoside specification)

Pro tip  “Ask us for the COA” 

FAQ Is Sheng Di Huang the same as Shu Di Huang?

No. Sheng Di Huang is raw rehmannia. Shu Di Huang is prepared/cooked rehmannia and has different traditional properties.

Why do these granules contain dextrin?

Dextrin is commonly used as a carrier/binder in granule extracts to improve flow and consistency. 

What is catalpol?

Catalpol is a compound widely discussed in the research literature on Rehmannia glutinosa and is studied for multiple biological activities in experimental settings.

Can I combine Sheng Di Huang with other herbs?

Many people do, but combinations depend on the person and the pattern. Practitioner guidance is recommended.

Disclaimer 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Why use Chinese Bulk Herbs?
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References

1 Dharmananda, Subhuti. "Classical Physician Zhang Jingyue: The Rehmannia Doc." Institute for Traditional Medicine. June 2012. <http://www.itmonline.org/articles/rehmannia_doc/rehmannia_doc.htm>.
2 Huang Bingshan and Wang Yuxia. Thousand Formulas and Thousand Herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vol. 2. 1993 Heilongjiang Education Press, Harbin.
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ShengDiHuang.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/rehmannia-glutinosa-extract
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/sheng-di-huang
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/rehmannia
3 Cheung CS and Hirano M (translators), Huang BM. A brief discussion of the use of radix rehmannia by the ancient master Zhang Jingyue.
Journal of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1982 (4): 33-37.