$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Yu Zhu – Polygonatum Rhizome – Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati

Yu Zhu

English Name: polygonatum rhizome

Literal Translation: “jade bamboo”

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati

Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs

Properties: Yu Zhu enters the Lung and Stomach channels; it is sweet in nature and neutral in temperature.

What is Yu Zhu?:

The Chinese Herb Yu Zhu is the dried rhizome of a plant commonly known as Fragrant Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce). It shade-loving perennial in the asparagus family that typically grows to 18-24” tall on low, gracefully arching unbranched stems. It is native to shaded slopes and woodland areas in temperate regions of Europe and Asia; in China, it is grown for commercial use in Zhejiang, Hunan and Jiangsu provinces. The rhizomes are harvested twice a year and dried for use as medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Yu Zhu:

Yu Zhu moistens the Lung and was traditionally used in TCM to address dry cough that would come in the autumn with the coming of winter (i.e. from wind-cold pathogenic attacks). Today, Yu Zhu is used clinically to address dry cough with scanty, sticky, and/or difficult to expectorate sputum (with accompanying presentation of dry mouth and throat). Being relatively mild and neutral in temperature (point being it does not clear Lung heat), it is commonly combined with other herbs that nourish yin, moisten dryness, and clear heat (as in the formula Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang— Glehnia and Ophiopogonis Decoction).

Yu Zhu generates body fluids and nourishes the Stomach to treat various Stomach yin deficiency syndromes that may present as: hunger without the desire to eat, dull epigastric pain, stomach discomfort, and dry mouth/throat.

Yu Zhu nourishes yin and generates body fluids to treat xiao ke (wasting and thirsting) syndrome characterized by Lung, Stomach, and Kidney yin deficiency.

–safety/clinical notes:

Use not recommended for cases of Spleen deficiency, dampness accumulation, phlegm stagnation, or qi stagnation.

Latest Blog Posts

  • Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

    Pregnancy is a time of transformation, growth, and, perhaps most importantly, careful decision-making. Many expecting mothers look for natural ways to support their health and well-being during this important time in their lives – and Chinese herbs for pregnancy may be one of those natural solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of herbal…

  • 4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
    4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

    Hoping to grow your family naturally, but not sure where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fertility advice, Chinese herbs for fertility may offer the support you need. Chinese medicine has been used successfully for centuries to help women enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. Through acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, qi gong, meditation, dietary therapy,…

  • Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
    Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms

    Are hot flashes catching you off guard at the worst times? There’s nothing more irritating than a flush coming on during important meetings, your favorite workouts, or even while you’re trying to sleep. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of menopause, affecting up…