Yu zhu
StarPolygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness; Generates Fluids and Relieves Thirst; Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms
Traditional Chinese Uses
Yu Zhu (Solomon's seal rhizome, polygonatum odoratum rhizome) is a cool, sweet herb that nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin and generates Body Fluids. It is used for patterns of dryness from Yin deficiency — including dry cough, a parched throat, thirst, and reduced saliva — particularly when these accompany a mild feverish sensation or follow a febrile illness. Its gentle, non-cloying moistening action makes it appropriate for long-term use in those with constitutionally dry patterns, and it is commonly added to soups and congees as a nourishing food-herb.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Polygonatum odoratum, commonly known as Solomon's seal, fragrant Solomon's seal or by its Chinese name Yu Zhu, is a rhizomatous perennial herb in the family Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae) native to temperate Eurasia, including Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia, China, Korea and Japan. It grows from a stout, knotty, white, horizontal rhizome that bears characteristic round scars left by previous years' flowering stems, the visual resemblance of which to a wax seal gives the plant its common name. The arching, unbranched stem rises 30 to 80 cm tall and bears alternate, ovate to elliptic, prominently parallel-veined leaves that are arranged in two ranks along its upper side. From the leaf axils hang one to two (rarely three) pendulous, narrowly tubular, white to greenish-white, sweetly fragrant flowers in late spring. The fruit is a small bluish-black berry. The rhizome of this and closely related species is dried and used in traditional Chinese medicine as the herb Yu Zhu.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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