Polygala Root (Yuanzhi)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Radix Polygalae |
| Botanical Name: | Polygala tenuifolia Willd. Polygala Sibirica L. |
| Common Name: | Polygala root |
| Source of Earliest Record: | Shennong Bencao Jing |
| Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: | The roots are dug in the spring or autumn. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the roots are cleaned in water and dried in the sun. |
| Properties and Taste: | Pungent, bitter and slightly warm |
| Meridian: | Lung and heart |
| Functions: | To calm the heart and soothe the mind To resolve phlegm and clear the orifices (sense organs) |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Insomnia and forgetfulness. *Use with Ginseng (Renshen) and Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shichangpu) in the formula Buwang San. 2. Palpitations and restlessness. *Use with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) and Dragon's bone (Longgu). 3. Turbid phlegm disturbing the heart manifested as mental disorders and unconsciousness. *Use with Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shichangpu) and Curcuma root (Yujin). 4. Cough with excessive thick sputum or sputum that is difficult to expectorate. *Use with Apricot seed (Xingren), Platycodon root (Jiegeng) and Licorice root (Gancao). |
| Dosage: | 3-10 g |
| Cautions: | This herb should be used with caution in cases with gastric ulcer or gastritis. |