Polygonati Rhizoma
Aliases：Dragon's Tongue、Rabbit Bamboo、Drooping Bead、Chicken's Grid、Rice Cake、Rabbit Bamboo、Deer Bamboo、Manyleaf Paris Rhizome、Famine Food
Huangjing, a Chinese medicinal, is the dried rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum Red., Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, or Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl., plants of the Liliaceae family.
Indications
It is mainly used to treat: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency Fatigue and lack of strength Stomach Yin insufficiency Dry mouth and poor appetite Lung deficiency dry cough Consumptive cough with hemoptysis Essence and Blood insufficiency Soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees Premature graying of beard and hair Internal Heat with wasting thirst disorder
Modern Pharmacology
It has the effects of enhancing immunity, lowering blood glucose, delaying aging, combating fatigue, and improving memory, among others.
Ingredients
It contains mucilage, starch, sugars, nicotinic acid, and quinones. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua also contains diaminobutyric acid, aspartic acid, homoserine, digitalis glycosides, and various anthraquinone compounds.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: Decoction, 10–15 g (30–60 g for fresh product); or used in pills, powders, or as a prepared extract (ointment). 2. External use: Appropriate quantity as a decoction for washing; as an ointment for topical application; or steeped in wine for external wiping.
Contraindications
1. Contraindicated in cases of Center Cold with diarrhea, and Phlegm-Dampness with abdominal fullness and Qi stagnation. 2. Avoid the fruit of Prunus mume (plum).
Daily Consumption
Polygonati Rhizoma and Lean Pork Congee 1. Actions Tonifies Qi and enriches Blood, prolongs life and promotes longevity. It is indicated for dry cough and dry mouth due to Lung Yin deficiency, as well as debility, poor appetite, emaciation with frequent illness, and fatigue. For healthy individuals, regular consumption may also help delay aging. 2. Ingredients Polygonati Rhizoma (Huangjing) – 50 g Lean pork – 50 g Rice – 100 g Scallion (green onion), fresh ginger, table salt – appropriate amounts 3. Preparation Wash the lean pork and cut into small cubes; set aside. Decoct Polygonati Rhizoma first, then remove the residues and retain the clear decoction. Add the rice, pork cubes, scallion, and fresh ginger to the decoction. Cook over low heat into a thin congee. When done, stir in the table salt. 4. Usage May be consumed freely. Contraindicated in cases of Qi stagnation with abdominal distension and loose stools.
Medicinal Parts
dried rhizome
Selection & Storage
1. General dried Huangjing: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from mold and insects. 2. Wine‑processed Huangjing and other processed products: Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from mold and insects. 3. Huangjing Charcoal: Spread out to cool and dissipate heat to prevent re‑ignition.