Yuan Zhi

Latin name: Polygalae Tenuifoliae, Radix

Yuan Zhi Also Known As: Senega Root, Chinese Senega, Flax, Klapperschlangen, Milkwort, Mountain Polygala, Polygalae radix, Rattlesnake Root, Senaga Snakeroot, Seneca, Seneca Snakeroot, Senega, Senega Snakeroot, Seneka, Snake Root.

Dosage: 3-9g.

Meridians/Channels: HEART, LUNG

• calm spirit, quiet heart - insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, restlessness
• expel phlegm from lungs, clears orifices - copious sputum, mental confusion
• reduces abscesses, dissipate swellings - boils, sores, painful breasts

Also Used For: Orally, senega is used for respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, for inducing sweating, increasing saliva, as an expectorant, and an emetic. Topically, senega is used as a gargle for pharyngitis. Historically, senega was a cure for rattlesnake bite.