Chinese Bulk Herbs – Polygala (Yuan Zhi)

Polygala, also known as yuan zhi, is mostly used for insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Also, used to clear problems with lungs and chronic bronchitis.

Being heart and kidney meridians entered, it opens heart qi to calm heart and induce tranquilization, and also collects kidney qi to reinforce will and memory.
It can resolve phlegm and induce resuscitation so it can be indicated for epilepsy, convulsions and mania-depressive psychosis due to phlegm obstruction of heart.

It has strong action of resolving phlegm and stopping cough and with lung meridian entered property.

Being pungent and with moving and smoothing characteristics, it can dissipate swollen abscess by smoothing obstruction of qi and blood. It can be indicated for kinds of abscess, deep-rooted carbuncle and swollen sores, such as cold syndrome, heat syndrome, deficiency syndrome or excess syndrome.

Clinical Use (Chinese):
Calms spirit centers the mind and helps the flow of Qi.

Latin Name:
Polygala tenuifolia

Chinese Name:
Yuan Zhi

Common Names:
Polygala, Chinese Senega

Parts Used:
Root

Properties:
Warm, bitter, and acrid.

Cautions:

It should be used with cautions for excess fire or phlegm-heat because of its warm nature. It should be used with cautions for gastritis and duodenal ulcer because it will stimulate stomach and intestine.

*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.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts, please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.