Yu Zhu (玉竹) is the rhizome of fragrant Solomon's seal, recorded as Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati. It is sweet in flavour and slightly cold, entering the Lung and Stomach channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that tonify Yin.

Pinyin

yu zhu

Chinese

玉竹

Latin Name

Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati

English Name

fragrant solomonseal rhizome·Scented Solomon'S Seal Rhizome

Japanese

gyokuchiku

Korean

okjuk

Actions and indications

Nourishes Yin, moistens Dryness, moistens the Lungs, nourishes the Stomach and generates Fluids

Cough from deficient Lung Yin, with a dry throat, thirst and irritability
Dry cough, throat and mouth after a febrile illness has damaged the fluids
Dry Heat in the Lungs and Stomach
Stomach Yin deficiency with thirst, dry mouth, and hunger without wanting to eat
Steaming bone disorder
Wasting and thirsting with strong hunger and constipation

Extinguishes Wind and softens and moistens the sinews

Internal Wind from depleted fluids, with painful, spasming sinews
Dizziness from Yin deficiency with Wind stirring inside
Exterior Wind-Heat in someone with a Yin-deficient constitution; being light and not cloying, it combines well with herbs that release the Exterior

Combinations

sha shen + mai men dong

Lung and Stomach Yin Deficiency with damaged fluids, dry cough, thirst and related symptoms. Pathogenic disease at the Qi Level or Yang Ming Stage with heavy sweating, especially after prior purging

chuan bei mu + jie geng + zi wan

Blazing Lung Heat that has damaged Lung Yin, producing Phlegm-Heat and cough

sheng di huang + sha shen + mai men dong

Stomach Yin and fluids depleted, with thirst, dry mouth, irritability and a bright red tongue

bai wei + bo he + dan dou chi

Wind-Heat contracted externally in those with a Yin Deficient constitution

dang shen

Chest painful obstruction where Qi and Yin are both Deficient

dang shen + huang qi + di gu pi

Fever from combined Qi and Yin Deficiency, with lethargy, emaciation and heavier sweating by day and night

yi yi ren

Lung abscess; dry cough with thick, sticky sputum