Herbal Information for Yuan Zhi in Powder Form

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yuan Zhi (远志), also known as Polygala root or Radix Polygalae, is a commonly used herb with several therapeutic properties. Here’s an overview of Yuan Zhi in TCM:

Functions and Therapeutic Uses Of Yuan Zi - Polygala Root 

1. Calms the Mind (Shen) and Clears the Heart:

   • Yuan Zhi is primarily used to calm the spirit and treat conditions like insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, and emotional instability. It is believed to nourish the Heart and clear heat that may disturb the Shen (spirit).

2. Expels Phlegm and Clears the Orifices:

   • It helps to clear phlegm, particularly when it affects the mind and orifices. It is used in cases of mental confusion, seizures, and even schizophrenia, where phlegm is seen as an obstructing factor.

3. Relieves Cough and Expels Phlegm:

   • Yuan Zhi has expectorant properties, making it beneficial for treating coughs with copious sputum. It helps to dissolve phlegm and ease respiratory issues.

4. Reduces Abscesses and Dissipates Swelling:

   • When used externally, Yuan Zhi can help reduce swellings and abscesses due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Promotes Learning and Memory:

   • Yuan Zhi is also considered beneficial for cognitive function. It is believed to enhance memory and learning abilities, which is why it’s sometimes used in the context of improving mental clarity and concentration.

Common Formulas Containing Yuan Zhi:

1. Ding Zhi Wan (Settle the Emotions Pill):

   • Used for emotional instability, anxiety, and palpitations.

2. Ban Xia Hou Po Tang:

   • A formula for treating plum-pit qi (a sensation of something stuck in the throat) by resolving phlegm and promoting the movement of qi.

3. Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill):

   • Often included in formulas aimed at nourishing the Kidney and Heart to support cognitive function and emotional stability.

Historical Points of Interest for Yuan Zhi

1. Ancient Texts and Usage:

   • Yuan Zhi has been recorded in some of the oldest TCM texts. It is mentioned in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), one of the foundational texts of Chinese herbal medicine dating back to the Han Dynasty (circa 200-300 CE). This text categorizes herbs and describes Yuan Zhi as having the ability to calm the mind and expel phlegm.

2. Cultural Significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

   • Historically, Yuan Zhi was considered a vital herb for mental and emotional health. It was used by scholars and intellectuals to improve concentration and memory, which made it a popular choice among the literati of ancient China.

3. Daoist Alchemy and Immortality Practices:

   • Yuan Zhi was often associated with Daoist practices and alchemical traditions aimed at achieving longevity and mental clarity. Daoist monks used it to enhance spiritual practices, believing it could help in achieving a clear mind and peaceful state, conducive to meditation and spiritual cultivation.

Common Names: Polygala Root, Chinese Senega Root
Botanical Name: Polygala spp.; Radix
Pin Yin Name: Yuan Zhi
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: One Pound (1lb)
Form: Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Should not be used if petic ulcers or gastritis issues are present.  
California Prop 65 

Product Properties: Bitter, Acrid, Warm
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Lung, Small Intestine

Summary of  Polygala Root - Yuan Zhi

Polygala Root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and has a wide range of beneficial properties.

• Yuan Zhi calms the heart and induces tranquility
• Nourish the Heart
• Calm the Spirit
• Dispels phlegm for resuscitation
• Contains sedative properties
  
• This root has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herb that Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit
• Yuan Zhi is beneficial as a calmative and improves restlessness
• Rids abscess
• Relieves swelling

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:

• How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
• How to make a citrus facial splash
• Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
• Citrus potpourri basket       

About Plum Flower Quality Herbs

Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.

Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs

• Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
• Free from Chlorine
• Manufactured without the use of sulphur
• Preservative Free
• Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
• Aluminum Phosphate free
• Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
• Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
• Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
• Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
• No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
• We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
• 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs

Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.

References:
http://alternativehealing.org/yuan_zhi.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20541923/
https://asante-academy.com/encyclopedia/yuan-zhi/
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/YuanZhi.html
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Yuan-Zhi-Cid5020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18693285