Yuǎn Zhì · Polygala Root
Yuǎn Zhì (远志, Polygala Root) is a herb of Warm nature and Bitter, Pungent flavor, in the “Spirit Calming” category. Tradition uses it to calm Spirit, Resolve Phlegm-Misting Heart, Open Orifices.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Yuǎn Zhì
- Characters
- 远志
- Botanical name
- Polygala tenuifolia Willd.
- Family
- Polygalaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Bitter, Pungent
- Meridians
- Heart, Kidney, Lung
- Category
- Spirit Calming
- Toxicity
- Slightly toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Calm Spirit
- Resolve Phlegm-Misting Heart
- Open Orifices
- Reduce Abscesses
Traditional uses
- Insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations from phlegm
- Mental confusion and forgetfulness
- Epilepsy and loss of consciousness from phlegm
- Cough with excess phlegm
- External sores and carbuncles
Studied effects and current applications
- Calms heart spirit and resolves phlegm obstructing mind
- Clears phlegm to open heart orifices in confusion
- Improves memory and communication between heart and kidney
- Expels phlegm-heat from lungs
- Reduces swelling of abscesses and sores
Applications under investigation
- Dementia and cognitive decline
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia support
- Alzheimer's prevention
- Chronic bronchitis with excessive sputum
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Gastric ulcer and gastritis
- Excess patterns without deficiency
- Real fire agitating spirit
Relative contraindications
- Loose stools
- Blood deficiency without phlegm
- Pregnancy
- Avoid during pregnancy. Slightly toxic and may affect fetus.
- Breastfeeding
- Avoid during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Not recommended for children due to mild toxicity.
- Older adults
- Use cautiously in elderly. Reduce doses. Monitor for GI irritation.
Possible adverse effects
- Gastric irritation and nausea
- Possible emesis in large doses
When to stop
- GI irritation
- Nausea persists
- Pregnancy
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholinesterase inhibitors | Donepezil, Rivastigmine | Mild | Possible synergistic cognitive effects Monitor for additive cholinergic effects |
| Sedatives | Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates | Mild | May have additive CNS effects Monitor CNS depression |
With other herbs
- suan_zao_ren Combined for anxiety, insomnia with phlegm component
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-9 grams daily
- Powder
- 1-2 grams daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-2 months with monitoring
- Maximum
- Short-term preferred due to toxicity
- Children
- Slightly toxic. Use with caution in children only under supervision.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 3-9g in 3 cups water 30-40 min. Take warm twice daily.
Spirit calming, phlegm-misting
Honey-fried Yuan Zhi (Zhi Yuan Zhi) reduces throat irritation. Use same doses.
Cough with phlegm, less irritating
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Triterpene saponins (tenuifolisides, senegas) and xanthines
Oleanolic saponins (trisaccharide) · Expectorant, neuroprotective, antidepressant, cognitive enhancer
Expectorant vagal reflex stimulation, BACE-1 (Alzheimer's β-secretase) inhibition, neurotransmitter modulation · 2-5%
Xanthones · Antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory
MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition (mild), 5-HT and dopamine modulation · 0.05-0.2%
Flavonoids and chalcones · Antioxidant, neuroprotective
Radical scavenging, reduction of neuronal oxidative stress · 0.1-0.5%
Phenylpropanoid ester · Neuroprotective, memory enhancer
BACE-1 inhibition, β-amyloid peptide reduction · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October)
Roots harvested in spring or fall. They are tapped gently to loosen the bark and the central woody cylinder is removed. Only the outer bark is used medicinally.
Root beaten until the bark is loosened; the central woody cylinder is removed and discarded. Only the thick, fleshy outer rind is used. It is washed and dried.
Root bark mixed with diluted honey and fried. Honey softens the irritation of saponins that can cause nausea.
Formulas it appears in
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.
