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Cura x Cura

Huang Jing黄精

Polygonati Rhizoma · Solomon's Seal Rhizome · Siberian Solomon's Seal

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药《名医别录》

Overview

A sweet, neutral rhizome that supplements qi and nourishes yin at the same time, and does it gently enough for long courses: it strengthens the Spleen, moistens the Lung and fills Kidney essence. Unprocessed Polygonatum numbs and irritates the throat, so the herb is always steamed before use — wine-steaming makes it warmer and easier on the digestion, while repeated steaming deepens the tonifying, essence-filling side.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Lung · Kidney

Typical Dosage

9–15 g in decoction
黄精Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Supplements qi, strengthens the SpleenFatigue, poor appetite and weak digestion of Spleen-qi deficiency; cumulative rather than fast-acting, and suited to long, quiet courses.
  • Moistens the Lung, nourishes yinDry cough with scant phlegm, dry throat and thirst, Lung yin left thin after a long illness.
  • Fills essence, benefits the KidneySore, weak lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus and premature greying where Kidney essence is depleted.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Huang Jing

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Fatigue, poor appetite, weak digestion
    - Dry cough and dry throat of Lung yin deficiency
    - Weak lower back and knees, tinnitus, dizziness
    - Thirst and dryness of yin depletion

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

FatigueDry coughConvalescenceDry mouth

Contraindications

Cautions

Sweet and cloying: it sits heavily on a damp digestion, so avoid it where there is phlegm-damp, chest and epigastric fullness, loose stools or cold in the middle burner. The unsteamed rhizome irritates the throat and is not taken internally — dispense a steamed form.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not a classical pregnancy contraindication; as a rich tonic it should be taken during pregnancy on a practitioner's prescription.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ming Yi Bie Lu《名医别录》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.