Yuǎn Zhì (远志) — Polygala root / Thin-leaf milkwort

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Incompatibilities
7. Cautions and contraindications
8. 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Calms the Mind and connects the Heart and Kidney — the most important herb for Heart-Kidney disharmony
2. Expels Phlegm and opens the Heart orifices
3. Dissipates swellings and abscesses
4. Resolves Phlegm in the Lungs and stops cough

Indications

1. Insomnia, palpitations and anxiety from Heart and Kidney disharmony
2. Poor memory and forgetfulness — a classical nootropic herb
3. Epilepsy and mental confusion from Phlegm obscuring the Heart orifices
4. Cough with copious phlegm from Phlegm obstruction in the Lung
5. Carbuncles, abscesses and breast lumps from Phlegm accumulation

4. Key formulas containing Yuǎn Zhì

Yuǎn Zhì appears in the following key formulas:

• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
• Gui Pi Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 88 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. Incompatibilities

Yuǎn Zhì (远志) Polygala root / Thin is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

7. 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.

Pattern contraindications

Mineral-based Shen-calming herbs (Long Gu, Mu Li, Zhen Zhu Mu) are decocted long and used short-term to avoid Spleen Qi depletion. Seed-based Shen-calmers (Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren) are gentler and suitable for longer use.

Modern drug interactions

May have additive effect with benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, alcohol and other CNS depressants — tell your GP if you take sleep medication or sedatives. Mineral herbs taken close to oral medication can impair absorption — separate by 2 hours.

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.

8. 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.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.