Fragrant Solomon's seal rhizome · Yu Zhu
Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce · Rhizome
Name and part used
A single-stem herb with alternate oval leaves, drooping yellow-green tubular flowers, and blue-black berries.
Traditional context
Yu Zhu is Polygonatum odoratum rhizome. Unlike Huang Jing, Yu Zhu usually has alternate leaves and a long, somewhat translucent rhizome; related species still require authentication.
Modern evidence
Yin-nourishing and lung/stomach-moistening are traditional descriptions. Chemical or preclinical data do not prove treatment for dry throat, diabetes, or angina.
Safety
Allergy or digestive discomfort may occur. People using glucose-lowering drugs or with chronic illness should seek advice before concentrated medicinal use.
Pairing in reference texts
Yu Zhu appears with Mai Men Dong or Sha Shen in some yin-nourishing formulas. Historical context does not establish safe combination or cough efficacy.
Growing, care, and harvest timing
HKBU habitat record: Growing under forests of mountains and plains or in rock crevices and dank places. Distributed and cultivated in most parts of China. The medicinal materials are mainly produced in Henan, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Hunan and Zhejiang. Also distributed in Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Guangxi, Guangdong and etc Harvest and processing as recorded: Can be excavated in spring and autumn, removed stem leaves, fibril and earth, sun-dried till mucus oozing out, strike slightly off hairs, separate the bigger ones form the smaller ones, all sun-dried till slight yellow, rubbed, sun-dried again, (continues for several times till soft and lucent and without hardcore, then sun-dried to full dry); or steamed fresh Yuzhu, rubbed when sun-dried till soft and lucent and sun-dried again. Stored in dried and ventilated places in prevention of molds and oil oozing
Source-recorded harvest/processing: Can be excavated in spring and autumn, removed stem leaves, fibril and earth, sun-dried till mucus oozing out, strike slightly off hairs, separate the bigger ones form the smaller ones, all sun-dried till slight yellow, rubbed, sun-dried again, (continues for several times till soft and lucent and without hardcore, then sun-dried to full dry); or steamed fresh Yuzhu, rubbed when sun-dried till soft and lucent and sun-dried again. Stored in dried and ventilated places in prevention of molds and oil oozing
The reviewed source does not provide a complete species-specific sowing/growing routine, irrigation/fertilization schedule, or universal plant age. The page therefore does not infer care instructions or years to harvest; consult local cultivation guidance.
Open habitat and season source ↗FROM PLANT / SOURCE HABITAT TO DRIED MATERIAL · REFERENCE WORKFLOW
- HKBU records spring or autumn rhizome harvest from authenticated cultivation; retain reference leaves and stems.
- Remove stems, soil, and fine roots, wash clean, and grade for even drying.
- The reference describes repeated sun-drying and rubbing until the rhizomes become pliable and slightly glossy; facilities must control hygiene and moisture.
- Finish-dry to specification, inspect for mold, document lot, and do not treat this as a home remedy recipe.
These are post-harvest study notes, not directions to prepare a remedy for self-treatment. Processing reference ↗
How to read formula amounts
The cited sources do not provide a formula with specific amounts for this profile; no ratio is invented. Absence from the incompatibility list does not establish safety.
Habitat, season, and harvest in the HKBU botanical record
HKBU botanical record (translated summary): Flowering and fruiting dates: Flowering: April to June, fruiting: July to September Habitat and distribution: Growing under forests of mountains and plains or in rock crevices and dank places. Distributed and cultivated in most parts of China. The medicinal materials are mainly produced in Henan, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Hunan and Zhejiang. Also distributed in Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Guangxi, Guangdong and etc Harvest and processing as recorded: Can be excavated in spring and autumn, removed stem leaves, fibril and earth, sun-dried till mucus oozing out, strike slightly off hairs, separate the bigger ones form the smaller ones, all sun-dried till slight yellow, rubbed, sun-dried again, (continues for several times till soft and lucent and without hardcore, then sun-dried to full dry); or steamed fresh Yuzhu, rubbed when sun-dried till soft and lucent and sun-dried again. Stored in dried and ventilated places in prevention of molds and oil oozing
Open botanical source ↗