Pinyin Name: Yuan Zhu
English Name: Polygala, thin-leaf milkwort root, Siberian milkwort root
Properties: acrid, bitter, slightly warm
Channels Entered: Lung, Heart

• Restlessness
• Palpitations
• Insomnia
• Weakness of the Kidney and Heart that result in symptoms of nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea and forgetfulness
• Forgetfulness, memory loss or inability to concentrate
• Excessive dreaming
  

• Phlegm obstructing the Heart and orifices
• Seizures or hearing loss from phlegm blocking the orifices
• Mental or emotional disorientation

• Phlegm in the Lung
• Cough with white sputum arrising from cold
• Bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory disorders

• Boils
• Abscesses
• Sores
• Swollen and painful breasts caused by phlegm obstructing the channels and collaterals (made into a paste to be applied topically)

• Because Yuan Zhi is drying in nature" use it with caution in patients experiencing heat symptoms or hot phlegm
• Use Yuan Zhi with caution in patients who have gastritis, peptic or duodenal ulcers. Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae ) can be added to ease the irritating effect Yuan Zhi has on the stomach and to prevent nausea and vomiting.