沅志 “Profound Will”, “Long Determination”
CO2 extracted Radix Polygala
Chinese Milkwort

Polygala tenuifolia is a perennial herb native to East Asia, characterized by thin wiry stems, narrow leaves and small, typically purplish-blue flowers, with tassel-like appendages. It thrives in dry, sunny areas of well-drained soil.

The aroma of our CO2 extracted Yuan Zhi essential oil expresses a sweet pungency, exuding from the mineral chalky scent of the root. Upon deep inhalation one notices calming, like blanketing the heart in comfort, along with the sense of something being cleared away, a weight being lifted and a new clarity arising.

Shen Nong Bên Cao Jing lists Yuan Zhi as a superior grade herb right after Shi Chang Pu (Acori graminei) and indeed they are often used together to “open the nine orifices,” brighten the eyes, sharpen the hearing, improve memory and cognitive function and prevent senility. In this classic of Chinese medicine Yuan Zhi is said to”strengthen the will and double one’s physical strength.”

Yuan Zhi’s most important attributes are to pacify Heart/Mind and calm the Shen/Spirit. It Strengthens the Heart and Kidney Qi to address disturbed Shen manifesting with symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep and nocturnal emissions.

To a great extent, it accomplishes its work on the Heart/Mind by its ability to expel phlegm in the Heart. When severe, this phlegm obstruction may cause mental or emotional disorientation and seizures. Phlegm also has a tendency to obstruct the sensory orifices causing poor hearing or sight and muddled, confused thinking.

The traditional pairing of Yuan Zhi with Shi Chang Puamplifies the above actions and is exemplified in the Sun Simiao formula, Ding Zhi Wan (Settle the Will), available in its essential oil form in our Blends section.

Yuan Zhi also assists in dispelling phlegm from the lungs. It acts as an expectorant to treat cough with sputum, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other related respiratory disorders.

Topical application of this essential oil as a paste mixed in green clay powder or egg white treats boils, abscesses, sores or swollen and painful breasts due to phlegm obstructing the channels and collaterals. Yuan Zhi Essential oil may be applied as a single oil or consider adding it to our Soothe and Clear or The Girls Blends.

Note: Base
TCM Category: Nourishing Herbs that Calm the Shen
Channels Entered: Heart, Lung
Major Chemical Components: Fatty Acids: Oleic, Hexadecanoic, etc. Alcohols: Hexanol. Esters: oligosaccharide,9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester. Ketones: Such as hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, α alpha-ionone. Terpenoids: Including caryophyllene oxide and β beta-bisabolene. Furanoidsand Phenolics:  furfural and eugenol. triterpenoid saponins: tenuifolin onjisaponins

15ml bottles of essential oils are offered at a 15% discount for licensed professionals only, as found in the “select size” dropdown - see FAQ for information on how to access professional discounts.

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