Polygala tenuifolia root (Yuan Zhi)

First of all, this herb has an emotional effect, especially on anxiety and the various symptoms it engenders. It is indicated :

• for anxiety with heart palpitations
• for insomnia, which anxiety very often provokes
• for agitation
• irritability
• for mental confusion
• for distraction
• for amnesia
• for palpitations caused by fright
• for weariness
• for physical or moral depression
• for memory loss

Its expectorant effect also indicates that polygala tenuifolia root can be used to combat :

• coughs with abundant expectoration
• cough with difficulty in expectorating mucus

Other indications for Yuan Zhi include

• angina pectoris
• breast cancer
• fright-induced epilepsy
• breast pain and swelling
• abscess (taken orally or externally in powder form)
• boils (taken orally or externally in powder form)

Instructions for use and dosage

From 3 to 15g, standard 6g

Rinse the herbs in cold water and place 6g in a glass, stainless steel, Pyrex or terracotta container. Pour in 300ml of spring or filtered water and cover with a lid. Turn on high heat until boiling, then turn down to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Drink the liquid, but don’t discard the herbs – they’ll be reused for the evening decoction. Drink this decoction in the morning and in the evening, using the same herbs to make the evening decoction.

Contraindications

– Contraindicated for those suffering from peptic ulcer or gastritis.

– Contraindicated for people with signs of Yin deficiency, i.e.: dry throat and/or mouth (often at night), dry eyes, night sweats during sleep for no reason, dizziness with tinnitus.

– Do not use if pregnant or breast-feeding.