Ingredient Spotlight

Polygala Root / Yuan Zhi

Why We Love It

Yuan Zhi, or Polygala root, is loved in Chinese medicine for its ability to calm the mind and open the heart. It’s often used to clear emotional blockages, helping to ease anxiety and mental fog.

Helps with:

  • Insomnia

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Memory Enhancement

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How it heals

In Chinese medicine, Yuan Zhi calms the spirit and quiets the heart while expelling phlegm and unblocking the orifices. Think of it as an herb that clears mental fog, helping you feel more mentally sharp. It has long been used to enhance cognitive function, promote restful sleep, and calm the mind.

From a Western perspective, Yuan Zhi is widely recognized for its cognitive benefits. It has neuroprotective, antidepressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-aging, and antiarrhythmic properties. Its neuroprotective properties are especially noteworthy, supporting the treatment of central nervous system conditions like anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.

Fun Fact: It is thought that Yuan Zhi was used by ancient scholars to improve focus and creativity, while Buddhist monks used it to enhance meditation.

HOW WE USE IT

“Yuan Zhi is a staple in my practice for patients dealing with stress, insomnia, or brain fog. It calms the mind while enhancing focus, helping them sleep soundly and think clearly—bringing both clarity and peace.”

- Dr Liem Le, DAOM, MS

What the research says

Yuanzhi-1, a triterpenoid saponin derived from the traditional Chinese medicine, has antidepressant-like activity
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More than 140 compounds have been isolated from Yuan Zhi showing neuroprotective, antidepressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, antiaging, and antiarrhythmic effects
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Polygala root inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome via SHP-2-mediated mitophagy in vitro and in vivo, which strongly suggests the therapeutic potential of PSS in various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Polygalae Radix has rich pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo, including protective effects on the nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system, as well as antioxidant and antiepileptic pharmacological activities.
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