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Cura x Cura

Yu Zhu玉竹

Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma · Solomon's Seal Rhizome · Fragrant Solomon's Seal

Herbs that Tonify the Yin 补阴药《神农本草经》

Overview

A moistening yin tonic that, unusually, does not weigh the digestion down. Sweet and slightly cold, it nourishes Lung and Stomach yin and generates fluids, and it is light enough to be given alongside exterior-releasing herbs when someone with yin deficiency catches a cold. Steamed or dry-fried it becomes warmer and less cloying, favouring the Stomach-nourishing side.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Slightly cold

Channels

Lung · Stomach

Typical Dosage

6–12 g in decoction
玉竹Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Nourishes yin, moistens drynessDry cough with little sputum, a dry scratchy throat and hoarseness from Lung dryness.
  • Generates fluids, relieves thirstStomach-yin damage with thirst, hunger without appetite, a dry mouth and a red peeled tongue.
  • Supports exterior release in yin deficiencyWind-heat contracted on a background of yin deficiency, where plain sweating would deplete fluids further.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Yu Zhu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Dry cough with scanty sputum and a dry throat
    - Thirst and dry mouth from Stomach-yin damage
    - Hunger without appetite, red peeled tongue
    - Exterior pattern in a person with underlying yin deficiency

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Dry coughDiabetes-related thirstConvalescenceDry throat

Contraindications

Cautions

Moistening: not for phlegm-damp with a thick greasy tongue coating, Spleen deficiency with loose stools, or an unresolved cold exterior pattern with no heat.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(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.