Yuan Zhi, an herb to achieve heaven on earth

Taste: Bitter, Acrid

Temperature: Slightly Warm

Meridiens: Heart, Lung, Liver

Yuan Zhi, or Polygala Root, is a type of Milkwort that is known as a Shen (spirit) tonic. It is known as the “Will Strengthener” and its name translates to “High Aspirations.” It is thought to relax the soul and calm the heart— to ease restlessness and anxiety. It calms the spirit, clears the orifices, resolves phlegm, and strengthens will power. It can also promote the feeling and experience of love.

Benefits:

• Aging and Cognition

Yuan Zhi is said to “open the portals of the mind” in the sense that in can unblock mental stagnations but also in that it can invoke creativity and also that it is frequently used to support the treatment of cognitive deficits and to improve learning and memory.

• Inflammation:

Yuan Zhi has anti-inflammatory properties that have been demonstrated in clinical studies.

• Lung Conditions

It is used to treat inflammation of the throat, nose, and chest and to treat lung conditions including asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and emphysema.

• Energy and Awareness

It is believed to increase energy, intelligence, and awareness.

• Sleep

Yuan Zhi aids the sleep process by helping one release repressed emotions and relaxing the body. Dr. Wu uses Yuan Zhi together with Fu Shen for sleep issues.

• Emotional Stability

Yuan Zhi balances the heart and kidney Qi, thereby enhancing emotional stability and promoting healthy mood.

Beyond all the above, Dr. Wu considers Yuan Zhi to support the feeling of being in heaven on earth. He translates the meaning of the herb as “Achieve your Goals” but also as being an immortal angel on earth; one who is able to have the focus, clarity and calmness of spirit to achieve anything here on earth, but who is also living in an angelic form— one who has transcended the earthly state.

Disclaimer: All above articles are for reference only. If patients are interested, please consult a professional practitioner Traditional Chinese Medicine for a consultation.