Yuan Zhi - Senega Root
TCM Materia Medica
Yuan Zhi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "yuan zhi" which in english is 
"senega root", is categorized within the "herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart and lung channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Calms the spirit, quiets the heart - insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, restlessness.
- Expels phlegm from the lungs, clears the heart orifices - copious sputum, mental confusion, seizures.
- Reduces abscesses, dissipate swellings - boils, sores, painful breasts.
Yuan Zhi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: anxiety and/or insomnia
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, yuan zhi is generally included in the following 7 formulas:
ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)
A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…
ViewJia Wei Gui Pi Wan (Augmented Restore The Spleen Decoction)
A combination of jia wei xiao yao wan and gui pi wan - similar effects but with more spleen qi and blood tonification. A range of stress related issues - essentially mixes of stagnation with underly…
ViewRen Shen Yang Rong Wan (Ginseng Decoction to Nourish the Nutritive Qi)
Tonifies both qi and blood and nourishes the heart and calms the spirit - generally used for weakness from longer term or deep diseases such as cancer and for a host of other conditions affecting a b…
ViewSang Piao Xiao Wan (Mantis Egg Case Powder)
Frequent urination, possibly incontinent from weakness in the heart and kidney systems. Pang Guang Shi Yue (bladder losing restraint). Other kidney deficiency signs possible such as spermatorrhea, …
ViewShen Jing Shuai Ruo Wan (Stress Reducing Pill)
For common variants of the modern western lifestyle - in Chinese Medicine terms, calms the spirit, balance liver and kidney yin, for a range of psycho-emotional and physical issues from chronic stres…
ViewTe Xiao Zao Ren An Mian Wan (Peaceful Sleep Tablets)
Insomnia, vivid dreaming, nightmares. Acute emotional instability. May be used to treat convulsions or spasms that are caused by a combination of blood deficiency with wind.
ViewTian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, flushing or sensation of heat in the palms due to deficiency heat. Insomnia, poor memory, poor focus and concentration due to yin deficien…
As noted above, yuan zhi is within the herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... useful for palpitations with anxiety and insomnia due to heart blood or liver yin deficiency. these herbs are generally mild and with very few side effects. )".
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