Description
The Gentle Yin Tonic for the Lungs and Stomach
Polygonatum Odoratum / Solomon’s Seal known as Hai Zhu (海竹) in Chinese, is a gentle and fundamental herb in Chinese medicine for nourishing the body’s Yin fluids.
· Gentle & Safe : It is moistening but not cloying, making it suitable for long-term use.
· Primary Actions : It moistens the Lungs to relieve dry coughs and nourishes the Stomach to alleviate thirst.
· Overall Effect : It is an ideal herb for combating dryness and supporting the body’s fluid metabolism.
Neutral in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the heart, lungs, and stomach meridians.
Polygonatum Odoratum’s actions are centered on its ability to generate fluids and moisten dryness in the organs most susceptible to it.
Health Benefits
Nourishes yin and moisturizes dryness, harmonizes the stomach, promotes body fluids and quenches thirst, clears internal heat, lowers blood lipids, nourishes the skin, calms the nerves and strengthens the heart.
Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness :
· This is its core function. It directly addresses a pathological state of “dryness” in the body by replenishing the Yin fluids.
Moistens the Lungs and Relieves Cough :
· It is a primary herb for treating a dry, tickly cough with little to no phlegm, a dry and sore throat, and hoarseness. This is typically due to Lung Yin Deficiency, often seen after a febrile illness or in dry climates.
Nourishes the Stomach and Promotes Fluid Production :
· It benefits the Stomach, the origin of fluids. It is used for thirst, dry mouth, and a hungry-but-not-hungry sensation caused by Stomach Yin Deficiency. This makes it useful in managing symptoms of diabetes (Xiao Ke) in TCM.
Polygonatum Odoratum is a go-to herb for conditions characterized by dryness and Yin deficiency :
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Chronic Dry Cough : Post-infection cough, smoker’s cough, or cough associated with dry environments.
· Dry Mouth and Thirst : Often associated with conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, or as a side effect of medication.
· Diabetes : Used as an adjunct therapy to address the underlying Yin deficiency and intense thirst.
· Recovery from Febrile Disease : Helps to restore the body’s fluids and Yin after a fever has consumed them.
· General Yin Deficiency Signs : Such as night sweats, dry skin, and hot palms/soles (in more advanced cases).
Characteristics & Comparison
· Gentle and Non-Cloying : A key feature of Polygonatum Odoratum is that it moistens without creating dampness or stagnating digestion, a common concern with other moistening herbs. This makes it very safe.
· Versatile in Formulas : It can be used in formulas for both deficiency patterns and for exterior wind-heat patterns in a Yin-deficient patient
· Comparison with Radix Ophiopogon, Other Yin Tonics : Both moisten the Lungs and Stomach. Radix Ophiopogon, is stronger for clearing Heart Heat and is slightly more cloying. Polygonatum Odoratum is milder and more neutral.
Common Usage and Preparation
Polygonatum Odoratum is a classic “food as medicine” herb and is very palatable.
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Teas : Can be simmered alone or with other herbs like American ginseng to make a refreshing, Yin-nourishing drink.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, congee (rice porridge), stews (especially chicken soup) for a tonic effect.
Precautions
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
