Yù Zhú · Solomon's Seal Rhizome
Yù Zhú (玉竹, Solomon's Seal Rhizome) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Yin Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to nourish the Yin of the Lung and Stomach, Generar fluidos corporales, Extinguish the internal wind due to Yin deficiency.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Yù Zhú
- Characters
- 玉竹
- Botanical name
- Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Part used
- Rhizome
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Lung, Stomach
- Category
- Yin Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Korea, Japan
Actions according to tradition
- Nourish the Yin of the Lung and Stomach
- Generar fluidos corporales
- Extinguish the internal wind due to Yin deficiency
Traditional uses
- Lung Yin Deficiency with dry cough
- Stomach Yin Deficiency with thirst, hunger and empty stomach
- Internal wind due to Yin deficiency with tremors
- Persistent low fever due to Yin deficiency
- Sequedad de ojos y boca
Studied effects and current applications
- Moistens the dryness of the Lung, relieving dry cough
- Generates fluids to combat thirst and dryness
- Calms the internal wind of Yin deficiency (tremors, cramps)
- Nourishes Yin without being excessively cold or stagnant
- Suaviza la piel y mucosas
Applications under investigation
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus tipo 2
- chronic dry cough
- Menopause with signs of dryness
- Autoimmune diseases with dryness
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Excessive dampness without Yin deficiency
Relative contraindications
- Spleen deficiency with diarrhea due to cold
- Phlegm-dampness clogging the Middle Jiao
- Pregnancy
- Generally safe during pregnancy for dryness and Yin deficiency.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe for children with dry cough and dryness.
- Older adults
- Excellent for the elderly with generalized dryness and Yin deficiency.
Possible adverse effects
- Rarely: digestive discomfort in cold constitutions
When to stop
- Diarrhea or signs of dampness appear
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic agents | Insulin, Metformin | Mild | Possible mild additive hypoglycemic effect Monitor blood glucose in diabetics. |
With other herbs
- mai_dong Synergistic in nutrition of the Yin of the Lung and Stomach
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-12 g daily
- Powder
- 2-4 g daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term use generally safe
- Children
- Safe for children in dry cough and dryness with adjusted dosage.
Forms of preparation
Boil 6-12g in 3 cups of water for 30-40 min. Drink warm.
Lung and Stomach Yin Deficiency
Add 9-15g to congee or soup. Cook 1 hour. Excellent food use.
Gentle Yin tonification, daily use
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Polysaccharides (fructans), steroidal saponins and flavonoids
Fructans and heteropolysaccharides · Nourishes Yin, generates fluids, hypoglycemic
Stimulation of salivary and mucosal secretion, AMPK activation · 15-35% in rhizome
Steroid sapogenins · Anti-inflammatory, mild hormonal modulator
Steroids precursor; NF-κB modulation · 0.01-0.1%
Flavonoids · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Free radical scavenging, NF-κB inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Nitrogen compounds · Tissue regenerator, nourishing
Cell proliferation stimulation · 0.05-0.2%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (September-November), 2-3 year old rhizomes
Polygonatum odoratum rhizomes harvested in autumn. They are washed, fine roots removed and dried in the sun or with gentle heat.
Rhizome cut into slices and dried.
Fried slices with diluted honey.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
