Yuǎn Zhì (远志) — Polygala root / Thin-leaf milkwort
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yuǎn Zhì (远志) — Polygala tenuifolia — is known in English as Polygala root / Thin-leaf milkwort. It belongs to the category of Herbs that calm the Spirit in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Yuǎn Zhì as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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
| Pinyin name | Yuǎn Zhì |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 远志 |
| Latin name | Polygala tenuifolia |
| English name | Polygala root / Thin-leaf milkwort |
| Nature | slightly warm |
| Flavour | acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Heart, Kidney, Lung |
| Category | Herbs that calm the Spirit |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Calms the Mind and connects the Heart and Kidney — the most important herb for Heart-Kidney disharmony
- Expels Phlegm and opens the Heart orifices
- Dissipates swellings and abscesses
- Resolves Phlegm in the Lungs and stops cough
Indications
- Insomnia, palpitations and anxiety from Heart and Kidney disharmony
- Poor memory and forgetfulness — a classical nootropic herb
- Epilepsy and mental confusion from Phlegm obscuring the Heart orifices
- Cough with copious phlegm from Phlegm obstruction in the Lung
- Carbuncles, abscesses and breast lumps from Phlegm accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Yuǎn Zhì
Yuǎn Zhì appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) is one of the most extensively researched Chinese nootropic herbs. Key bioactive constituents include onjisaponins (tenuifoliside A, B), polygalasaponins and xanthones. Research confirms significant neuroprotective effects (protecting neurons from amyloid beta-induced damage relevant to Alzheimer's disease), nootropic effects (improving memory and learning in multiple animal models), antidepressant effects via serotonin and dopamine modulation, anti-inflammatory activity and sedative-anxiolytic properties. Onjisaponin B has been shown to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. Yuan Zhi is under active investigation for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in patients with gastric ulcers, as the acrid, irritating nature can aggravate gastric inflammation — best taken after food. Avoid in excess Fire patterns and in patients without Phlegm accumulation.
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 with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yuǎn Zhì as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression. 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. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
