Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi) – Clarity, Calm, and Cognitive Support in One Ancient Herb

Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi) is a traditional Chinese herb used to nourish the Heart, calm the Spirit, and enhance mental clarity. Popular for sleep, memory, mood, and emotional balance. Shop lab-tested, GMP-certified Polygala Root today.

QUICK FACTS ON POLYGALA ROOT (YUAN ZHI)

• Chinese Name: Yuǎn Zhì (远志)

• Botanical Name: Polygala tenuifolia

• Part Used: Root

• TCM Category: Nourish the Heart, Calm the Spirit

• Taste: Bitter, Acrid

• Temperature: Slightly Warm

• Meridians: Heart, Kidney, Lung

• Actions: Calms the Shen, transforms phlegm, enhances cognition, strengthens Kidney-Heart connection

• Common Forms: Whole root, powder, extract powder

• Safety: Lab-tested, non-GMO, wildcrafted when available

Calm Your Thoughts, Clear Your Mind, Support Your Spirit

Do your thoughts keep you up at night? Are you overwhelmed by emotions or forget where you put your keys too often?

Meet Polygala Root, the ancient Chinese herb that scholars, monks, and modern practitioners turn to when the mind needs grounding, the emotions need centering, and the spirit longs to rest.

Known as Yuan Zhi, this root connects the Heart (Shen, or spirit) and the Kidney (Zhi, or willpower), restoring harmony in the body's energetic communication. It’s no wonder ancient texts referred to it as the "Root of Far-Reaching Wisdom."

TCM THEORY: HOW YUAN ZHI WORKS

In Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• Polygala opens the orifices of the Heart—restoring mental clarity

• Transforms phlegm that obstructs mental function (phlegm-misting-the-Heart)

• Reestablishes Heart-Kidney communication, promoting deeper sleep and emotional steadiness

• Unblocks constraint in the chest to ease agitation, sadness, or worry

Yuan Zhi is both an emotional balancer and cognitive supporter—used in formulas for insomnia, forgetfulness, mild mood disturbance, and grief.

 
SUGGESTED USE & PREPARATION

➤ Decoction (Tea):

• Use 3–9g dried root

• Simmer for 20–30 minutes

• Strain and drink 1–2x daily

➤ Powder:

• Take 1–2g with warm water

• Mix with honey or add to tea blends

➤ Extract Powder:

• 1g of a 10:1 extract = 10g raw herb

• Ideal for capsules or smoothies

HERBAL CALM TEA BLEND

Yuan Zhi Sleep & Clarity Tea

• 6g Polygala Root

• 5g Suan Zao Ren (Jujube Seed)

• 4g Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed)

• 3g Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

Simmer 25 minutes. Sip warm before bed.

How Fast Will Polygala Root Work?
RESULTS TIMELINE

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

“Polygala Root helped me calm my racing thoughts without feeling sedated. I sleep better and remember more during the day.”
— Carla D., Portland, OR

“I use Yuan Zhi with Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren. It’s my go-to combo for peaceful sleep and better mental clarity.”
— J. Lin, Herbalist

DON’T JUST GUESS—FEEL THE RESULTS

✔ More peaceful, grounded mindset
✔ Improved memory and focus
✔ Better sleep without next-day fog
✔ Emotional clarity and confidence

WHO SHOULD USE POLYGALA ROOT?

✔ Adults who struggle with emotional restlessness or grief
✔ Seniors experiencing forgetfulness or “foggy head”
✔ Students and professionals needing sharper memory
✔ Individuals working on spiritual or meditative practices
✔ Those recovering from emotional trauma

COMPARE POLYGALA ROOT WITH OTHER SHEN HERBS

⚠ CAUTIONS

• Avoid in Yin-deficient heat patterns without balancing herbs

• Not for use during pregnancy

• May cause mild GI upset in sensitive individuals

• Always consult a licensed herbalist for chronic or complex cases

FOLKLORE & HISTORY

Known for thousands of years as the “root that reaches far,” Yuan Zhi was often used by Taoist sages to deepen meditation and connect the Heart with intention. The classic Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing ranks it as a top herb for calming the emotions while preserving the will.

It was considered vital for students, monks, and the grieving—those who sought both peace and clarity.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Available in Whole Root, Powder, and Extract Powder

• Lab-Tested for Identity and Purity

• Non-GMO, No Fillers, No Additives

• Wildcrafted or Sustainably Cultivated

• Packaged in the USA in GMP-certified facility

SHOP POLYGALA ROOT

Buy Polygala Root at 1st Chinese Herbs
Ships fast. Satisfaction guaranteed.

RELATED LINKS

• How to Use Bulk Herbs »

• Contact Us »

• Download Our Free Ebook » 10 Vital Herbs That Work

Final Summary: Why Choose Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi)?

Polygala Root isn’t just another calming herb—it’s a time-tested solution for restoring clarity, emotional balance, and restful sleep. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yuan Zhi nourishes the Heart, clears phlegm from the mind, and bridges the emotional link between Heart and Kidney. Whether you're navigating stress, grief, brain fog, or restlessness, this herb delivers gentle, noticeable support backed by both ancient wisdom and modern science.

At 1st Chinese Herbs, our GMP-certified, lab-tested Polygala Root is available in multiple forms to suit your lifestyle. Choose it to feel more grounded, think more clearly, and sleep more deeply—naturally.

Ready to experience the calming power of Polygala Root?   See All Forms Below
Order Now » – Fast shipping. No fillers. Full potency.

References

MODERN SCIENCE & POLYGALA ROOT

Polygala tenuifolia is being studied for its nootropic and calming properties. Research supports its traditional uses:

• • Improves memory & learning by influencing hippocampal neurogenesis
    PMID: 23936188

  • Regulates mood and has anxiolytic-like properties
    PMID: 20435190

  • Promotes sleep via GABA modulation without sedative side effects
    PMID: 26740110