Herbs that Tonify Blood

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What precaution should you keep in mind when prescribing Shu Di Huang (rehmanniae radix preparata) to a patient?

Shu Di Huang is toxic; use a smaller than average dosage
Shu Di Huang strongly invigorates blood; use caution during pregnancy
Shu Di Huang is sticky and cloying; it may cause digestion problems
Shu Di Huang is cold and bitter; it may damage the Spleen

Shu Di Huang is rich, sweet, and cloying. It can very easily cause dampness or qi stagnation in the middle-jiao. To counteract this, it can be combined with aromatic herbs such as Sha Ren, Chen Pi, or Mu Xiang.

Source: Bensky, D. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. p. 744 [Q102]