Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

Evidence: BFamily: Orobanchaceae

TCM yin tonic and kidney nourisher; flagship for feline CKD, adrenal support, and autoimmune conditions. Raw form cools blood; prepared form (Shu Di) tonifies kidney yin.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Cats

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Horses

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Rabbits

Use Caution

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Birds

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Guinea Pigs

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogsdried herb0.5-1 grams /kgtwice dailyPer 10kg; prepared Shu Di Huang most common; within kidney tonic formula.
Catscapsule50-100 mg /kgtwice dailyPer 5kg; within CKD or yin tonic formula; TCVM guidance recommended.
Horsesdried herb15-30 gramstwice dailyFor 450kg horse; yin tonic within formula; long-term use for chronic conditions.

Active Compounds

Catalpol(glycoside)
Rehmannioside(glycoside)
Stachyose(other)
Verbascose(other)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Surgery Warning

Reduce dose if digestive upset occurs; use prepared form (Shu Di) for tonification, raw form (Sheng Di) for cooling.

Essential Oil Form

Strong TCM evidence; growing modern research on adrenal-sparing, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Orobanchaceae

Parts Used

root

Available Forms

dried herb, capsule, alcohol tincture, tea

Explore More Pet Resources

Find more herbs, check interactions, or review toxic plants for pets.