The Benefits of Drinking Polygonatum Sibiricum (Yellow Essence) Soaked in Water

Jan 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Polygonatum (Yellow Essence) has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. For lung deficiency with dry cough, manifested as symptoms such as dry cough with little phlegm, hemoptysis, dry throat, and thirst, drinking water steeped with Polygonatum can help relieve lung dryness by nourishing yin, thereby alleviating cough symptoms and exerting a lung-moistening and cough-relieving effect. Polygonatum enters the spleen meridian, can tonify the spleen and benefit qi, and nourish the yin of the spleen. It can be used to treat weakness of the spleen and stomach. Drinking water steeped with Polygonatum can exert a certain regulatory effect and promote the transformation and transportation functions of the spleen and stomach.

The efficacy of drinking yellow essence (Polygonatum sibiricum) steeped in water generally includes nourishing the yin and moistening the lungs, invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi, benefiting the kidneys and enriching essence, nourishing both qi and yin, and improving sleep. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Nourish Yin and Moisturize the Lungs

Yellow essence has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. For lung deficiency with dry cough, symptoms such as dry cough with little phlegm, hemoptysis, dry throat, and dry mouth can be alleviated by drinking yellow essence water, which helps relieve lung dryness, reduce coughing, and moisturize the lungs.

2. Invigorate the Spleen and Replenish Qi

Yellow essence enters the spleen meridian and can replenish qi and nourish the spleen yin, making it useful for treating spleen and stomach weakness. Drinking yellow essence steeped in water can help regulate and improve the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach by promoting their transformation and transportation functions. It is often combined with spleen-invigorating and qi-replenishing herbs such as Codonopsis (Dangshen) and Atractylodes (Baizhu) to treat spleen and stomach weakness.

3. Benefit the Kidneys and Enrich Essence

Yellow essence can benefit the kidneys and enrich essence. It can be used to treat symptoms caused by kidney deficiency and depletion of essence, such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and premature graying of hair. Drinking yellow essence water can nourish kidney essence, improve kidney function, and enhance the body's vitality and energy.

4. Nourish Qi and Yin

Yellow essence can both replenish qi and nourish yin, thus benefiting both qi and yin. It can be used to treat various conditions caused by deficiency of both qi and yin. Drinking yellow essence water can regulate the balance of qi and yin in the body and alleviate symptoms of thirst and polydipsia (xiaoke). It is often combined with qi-replenishing and fluid-generating herbs such as Astragalus (Huangqi) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) to treat diabetes.

5. Improve Sleep

Yellow essence has a calming effect and can effectively treat symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and vivid dreams caused by deficiency of both heart and spleen. By regulating the nervous system, drinking yellow essence water can help improve sleep quality and facilitate deeper sleep.

It is recommended to use yellow essence water under the guidance of a physician; do not consume it arbitrarily. In daily diet, maintaining a balanced dietary structure is advised to help maintain health.

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What are the traditional Chinese medicines for lowering blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, if it is necessary to lower blood sugar, single-herb traditional Chinese medicines can be used under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used herbs include Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), Solomonseal (Polygonatum odoratum), and Chinese wolfberry bark (Lycium chinense). In addition, individuals requiring auxiliary blood sugar regulation may also use other suitable single-herb TCMs under medical supervision. During treatment, a light diet should be maintained, with avoidance of high-sugar and high-fat foods, along with regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 habits or daily routine) and moderate exercise.

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What is Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) used for in treating chronic pharyngitis?

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be combined with honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Sterculia lychnophora (Pang Da Hai), Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu), Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), and Platycodon grandiflorus (Jie Geng) to assist in the management of chronic pharyngitis; combinations should be selected according to specific symptoms. Mai Dong nourishes yin, promotes body fluid production, moistens the lungs, and benefits the throat, while Jin Yin Hua clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses wind-heat. This combination is suitable for chronic pharyngitis accompanied by dryness, sore throat, and mild throat redness and swelling, addressing both yin deficiency and heat symptoms to relieve throat discomfort.

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How to steep Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) in water for consumption?

Generally, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can be steeped in water either on its own, combined with Lycium barbarum (goji berries), Chrysanthemum, Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon's seal), or Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle). Additionally, according to personal preference, MJ may also be combined with other ingredients such as tangerine peel or licorice root. Meanwhile, in daily use, it is important not to consume excessive amounts of MJ; a typical dose is approximately 5–8 pieces per serving.

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What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Ophiopogon japonicus and Polygonatum sibiricum?

Under normal circumstances, the main benefits of drinking water infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) and Polygonatum sibiricum (Yu Zhu) include nourishing yin and moistening dryness, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, soothing and protecting the throat, alleviating fatigue, and nourishing the stomach and spleen. When consuming Mai Dong and Yu Zhu water, attention should be paid to the dosage, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea should consume it sparingly or avoid it altogether. The amount used for infusion can be adjusted according to personal taste, and high-quality Ophiopogon and Solomonseal should be selected.