A Complete Analysis of the Benefits, Effects and Culinary Uses of Polygala Root

Polygala root is the dried root of Polygala tenuifolia or Polygala sibirica of the family Polygalaceae. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used in China, mainly produced in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei and other places. The ancients believed it could calm the mind and boost memory, hence the name Yuanzhi (far ambition), implying that after taking it the mind opens up and the will becomes firm.

In terms of its effects, polygala root is bitter and pungent in taste and warm in nature. Traditionally it is believed to calm the mind and boost intelligence, restore communication between the heart and kidneys, and remove phlegm and reduce swelling. It is often used for insomnia with many dreams, forgetfulness and palpitations caused by disharmony between the heart and kidneys, as well as for cough with copious phlegm and thick, hard-to-expectorate phlegm. In addition, it is often combined with other medicinal herbs to improve restlessness of the mind and similar problems.

As for culinary uses, polygala root is mostly consumed as a decoction, infused in water, cooked into porridge or simmered in soup. When infusing in water, the prepared polygala root slices can be brewed with boiling water and drunk as a tea; when making porridge, it is often cooked together with japonica rice, and can also be paired with ingredients such as sour jujube seed, poria and longan to enhance the calming effect; when making soup, it can be simmered together with lean meat or chicken. Whichever method is used, the amount should generally not be too large, and it is advisable to determine the dosage under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

It should be noted that raw polygala root causes some irritation to the stomach, and it is usually gentler after being processed with licorice water. People with excess internal heat and phlegm-fire, or those suffering from gastritis or gastric ulcers, should take it with caution. Pregnant women and those with special constitutions are best advised to consult a professional physician before use, and to avoid long-term, large-dose consumption on their own.