Botanical Name: Polygalae Radix
Yuan Zhi
Category: Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
Taste: Bitter, Acrid
Temperature: Slightly Warm
Channels Entered: Heart, Lung
Dosage: 6-15g
Key Characteristics:
- Transforms phlegm
- Opens the Heart orifice
- Reestablishes harmonious communication between the Heart and Kidneys
Cautions & Contraindications:
- This herb is relatively warm and drying, and, unless prepared, can be irritating when ingested.
- Contraindicated for those with yin deficiency with heat signs as well as those with peptic ulcers or gastritis.
Actions & Indications:
- Calms the spirit and quiets the Heart: for insomnia, palpitations with anxiety, restlessness, and disorientation. Most effective in cases related to excessive brooding or constrained, pent-up emotions as well as those related to lack of communication between the Heart and Kidneys.
- Expels phlegm, clears the orifices, and stops coughs: used when phlegm envelops the orifice of the Heart with such manifestations as emotional and mental disorientation, spasms, or seizures. Also used for phlegm affecting the Lungs with copious sputum, especially when it is difficult to expectorate. Recently, it has also been used for angina pectoris.
- Reduces abscesses and dissipates swellings: for boils, abscesses, sores, and swollen, painful breasts. Used in powdered form and applied topically, or taken with wine.
