Polygala root (polygala tenuifolia)

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Other names for polygala root

Yuan Zhi (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Thinleaf Milkwort
Polygala Root

Synopsis of polygala root

Polygala root, most commonly referring to the dried root of Polygala tenuifolia or Polygala senega, is a revered herb in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and North American Indigenous medicine. In TCM, it is known as Yuan Zhi (远志), meaning "will-enhancing" or "aspiration herb," and is primarily used for calming the mind, nourishing the heart, and dissolving phlegm, especially phlegm that affects mental clarity or emotional stability.

Polygala root contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including saponins (like senegenin), polygalacic acid, xanthones, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its nootropic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern research supports its ability to enhance memory, reduce stress, and protect neurons against oxidative damage and beta-amyloid toxicity—effects that make it a promising herbal ally in the prevention of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to its brain and mood effects, polygala root is also valued for its lung-supportive properties. It helps break up thick mucus and is often included in formulas for chronic cough, bronchitis, and respiratory congestion, especially where emotional or nervous factors play a role.

Historical Use in Medicine:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, polygala root has been used for over 2,000 years, first recorded in classic texts such as the Shennong Ben Cao Jing. It was traditionally prescribed to "calm the Shen" (spirit), treat insomnia, forgetfulness, anxiety, and palpitations, and was considered a key herb for connecting the heart and kidneys—a symbolic representation of integrating emotion and consciousness.

In addition to calming the mind, it was also used to clear phlegm from the chest and head, particularly when cognitive confusion or mental dullness was thought to be caused by “phlegm-misting the mind.” It was often paired with herbs like Acorus (Shi Chang Pu) to enhance mental clarity, or with licorice and jujube to soften its intensity and balance its warming nature.

Meanwhile, in North American Indigenous medicine, a different species—Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot)—was used by Native tribes like the Seneca for snakebites, respiratory illness, and chest infections. European settlers adopted it into Western herbalism for bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and even as a natural stimulant in cases of depression or fatigue.

Today, Polygala tenuifolia is used primarily in Chinese and integrative medicine for mental health, emotional balance, and respiratory relief, offering a rare combination of nervine and expectorant actions. It continues to be studied for its nootropic effects and potential applications in neurodegenerative disease prevention, as well as for its traditional role in lifting both the lungs and the spirit.

Polygala root is used for these health conditions

Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Anxiety Disorders (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Worry (Traditional)

polygala root is used to support these body systems

Acetylcholine (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Dopamine (Traditional)
GABA (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)