The efficacy and function of Polygala tenuifolia

The medical value of Polygala tenuifolia is beyond our imagination. It is very effective in treating some diseases. Polygala tenuifolia contains many substances that are beneficial to the human body. Let’s take a look.

[Other names] Golden eggs, hanging yellow, yellow chicken bones (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine), chicken roots, small lotus pods, chicken belly fruit, lotus pod mountain osmanthus (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine).

[Source] It is the root of Polygala tenuifolia, a plant of the Polygalaceae family. Harvest in autumn and winter, wash, slice and dry.

[Original form] Deciduous shrub or small tree, 1 to 5 meters high. The root is woody, with a light brown outer bark, fleshy, and light yellow inside. The stem is erect, cylindrical and rarely branched. Simple leaves are alternate; leaf blades are lanceolate, obovate-lanceolate or oblong, 7-10 cm long, 2-3 cm wide, acuminate at apex, cuneate to rounded at base, entire, often wrinkled, with about 6 pairs of lateral veins, prominent on the underside; petiolate. Inflorescence racemose or paniculate, drooping, up to 15 cm long; flowers yellow with blush; 2 whorls of sepals, 3 in the outer whorl, very small, 2 in the inner whorl, petal-shaped; 3 petals, the middle keel has 8 cockscomb-shaped appendages on the top of the back, and the 2/3 of the petals on both sides are attached to the filaments; 8 stamens, the lower 3/4 of the filaments are fused into a sheath. The fruit is flat. When ripe, it is reddish brown and splits into two petals. 2 seeds, black. Flowering period: summer and autumn.

[Habitat distribution] It grows by ditches and in mixed woods, and is distributed in Southwest China, East China, Shaanxi, Hubei and other places.

[Pharmacological action] The coumarin part of the root has a certain antitussive effect on mice (SO2-induced cough method).

【Nature and flavor】 ① "Jiangxi Herbal Medicine": "sweet, slightly warm."

[Functions and indications] Dispel wind and dampness, replenish deficiency and reduce swelling, regulate menstruation and promote blood circulation, treat colds, rheumatic pain, tuberculosis, edema, postpartum weakness, irregular menstruation, and injuries from falls.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 0.5-1 liang (2-3 liang for fresh).

[Additional prescription] ① For the treatment of liver abscess: 50 cents each of chicken root, camphor, grass blood clotting, calamus, and Tongguang powder. Take it in decoction, one dose per day, divided into three times. (Selected Works of the Exhibition: Internal Medicine)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The above is a detailed introduction to the Chinese medicine Polygala tenuifolia. We can consume it according to our own needs. I believe there will be improvements after a period of time. It is indeed a good choice.