Naturally Dried Without Sulfur, Pure and Moist Yam Root
High-quality natural cultivation Polygonatum Odoratum, also known as "tail ginseng," "ground pipe," "bell vegetable," or "wei Rui," is a perennial herb of the Asparagaceae family and Polygonatum genus.
Plant Characteristics
The rhizome is cylindrical with a diameter of 5-14 millimeters. The plant grows 20-50 centimeters tall with alternate, elliptical to ovate-oblong leaves. Inflorescence produces 1-4 flowers (up to 8 in cultivation) with yellowish-green to white perianth. Berries are blue-black with 7-9 seeds. Flowering occurs from May to June, with fruiting from July to September.
Growing Conditions & Distribution
Thrives in low mountains, hills, or valleys at altitudes of 500-3,000 meters. Prefers slightly acidic, loose sandy yellow soil with pH 5.5-6.0. Grows best in shaded, moist conditions but is sensitive to waterlogging. Widely distributed across temperate Eurasia, with genuine varieties cultivated in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Ningxia, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and other Chinese provinces.
Medicinal & Ornamental Value
Polygonatum odoratum serves both medicinal and culinary purposes. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it has sweet and slightly cold properties, entering the lung and stomach meridians. It nourishes yin, moistens dryness, promotes body fluid production, and quenches thirst. The plant also offers high ornamental value with attractive flowers, fruits, and leaves, making it an excellent ground cover for ecological gardens.
Efficacy and Functions
- Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness: Alleviates problems caused by yin deficiency including dry throat, dry skin, and constipation. Particularly beneficial during dry seasons or post-illness recovery.
- Promotes Saliva Production and Quenches Thirst: Improves appetite loss and addresses thirst symptoms associated with conditions like diabetes.
- Moistens Lungs and Relieves Cough: Effective for dry coughs with little phlegm, often combined with sand ginseng and ophiopogon japonicus for chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Enhances Immunity: Contains polysaccharides with antioxidant and immune-regulating properties to combat physical weakness and fatigue.
Primary Applications
Dry Cough Due to Lung Dryness: Used with Adenophora and Fritillaria for dry coughs with little phlegm and sore throat.
Stomach Yin Deficiency: Combined with Dendrobium and Ophiopogon japonicus for dry mouth and decreased appetite.
Internal Heat and Thirst: Addresses diabetes or excessive thirst following high fever.
Yin Deficiency with External Infection: Paired with peppermint and fermented soybeans for cold symptoms in yin-deficient individuals.
Usage Guidelines
Precautions
- Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold: Not suitable for individuals with diarrhea, cold intolerance, or white greasy tongue coating due to its slightly cold nature.
- Medication Interactions: Avoid concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs as it may enhance efficacy and cause hypotension. Follow medical guidance.
Culinary Applications
Can be used in congee (Yuzhu glutinous rice congee), brewed as tea with goji berries and honey, or added to stews. Recommended daily dosage: 10-15 grams.
Important: While Polygonatum odoratum is mild, usage should be adjusted according to individual constitution and symptoms. For therapeutic use, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and avoid long-term self-administration.
