Yuan Zhi

Polygala sibirica

Physical Characteristics

Polygala sibirica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Europe to E. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[2, 105, 177]. Root - cooked[2, 105, 177]. We have no more details on this species but the root of another member of this genus has its core removed before the root is cooked in several changes of water.

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Diuretic Expectorant Haemolytic Infertility Kidney Nervine Sedative The leaves are used in the treatment of spermatorrhoea[218]. They are ingested as a kidney tonic[218]. The roots are diuretic, expectorant, haemolytic and sedative[61, 176, 218]. Their use lowers the blood pressure[176]. They are used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, insomnia, infantile convulsions, amnesia, sexual impotency etc[61, 176, 218, 240]. The plant is also considered to be analgesic, diuretic, expectorant and nervine[61, 218].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.