Yù Zhú (玉竹) — Solomon's Seal Rhizome

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Yù Zhú (玉竹) — Polygonatum odoratum — is known in English as Solomon’s seal rhizome. Its Chinese name means “jade bamboo” — referring to the pale, smooth, jade-like appearance of the dried rhizome. It belongs to the category of Yin tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica, specifically nourishing Lung and Stomach Yin, and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant food-medicine herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Yù Zhú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Yin and moistens dryness — primarily for Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency
2. Generates Body Fluids and alleviates thirst
3. Gently releases the Exterior — unique among Yin tonics for being able to treat exterior conditions in Yin-deficient patients
4. Descends Stomach Fire and relieves hunger

Indications

1. Lung Yin deficiency — dry cough, scanty sticky sputum, hoarse voice and dry throat
2. Stomach Yin deficiency — dry mouth and intense thirst, hunger without appetite, dry stools
3. Wasting and thirsting disorder (equivalent to diabetes) from Lung, Stomach and Kidney Yin deficiency
4. Wind-Heat or Wind-Dryness in an Yin-deficient patient — the key clinical feature of Yu Zhu is that it can release the exterior without further damaging Yin
5. Menopausal symptoms with Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency patterns
6. Dry skin and hair from Yin deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Yù Zhú

Yù Zhú appears in the following key formulas:

• Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang — the foundational formula for Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency; Yu Zhu combines with Sha Shen, Mai Men Dong and Bai Bian Dou to nourish the Lung and Stomach without causing stagnation
• Yu Zhu Tang — a formula specifically combining Yu Zhu with exterior-releasing herbs for Wind-Dryness invasion in Yin-deficient patients

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu) has been the subject of significant modern pharmacological research, particularly in the fields of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Key bioactive constituents include polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and lectins. Research confirms significant hypoglycaemic and insulin-sensitising effects — Polygonatum polysaccharides have been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose, improve insulin resistance and protect pancreatic beta cells, providing pharmacological validation of its classical use in the wasting and thirsting disorder. Additional research confirms antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-ageing properties. The related species Polygonatum sibiricum (Huang Jing) shares similar constituents and has been the subject of parallel research.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with significant Spleen deficiency and Dampness, as the sweet, moistening nature may worsen these conditions. Generally very safe and widely used as a culinary herb in East Asia — it is a common ingredient in Chinese soups and congees for its Yin-nourishing properties.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Yù Zhú as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Menopausal symptoms, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Digestive disorders. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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