Country of origin: China

Herb Name: Yu Zhu.  玉竹 (yù zhú )

(also called Solomon’s Seal Rhizome, Polygonatum Root, or Polygonatum Odoratum as the botanical name )

Description:

• Yu zhu is the dried edible rhizome of a Solomon’s Seal flowering plant that belongs to the lily family.
• The plant is commonly grown in shaded gardens around the world for its pretty arching stems and hanging white flowers.  In nature, the plant grows in the woodlands of China, the Himalayas, Siberia, and Europe.
• Harvested in autumn, the rhizome is sun dried and sliced for later use.
• Yu zhu has a light sweet taste, and are naturally yellowish white in color.
• In China, yu zhu typically comes from provinces like Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jiangsu, Shandong, and the inner regions of Mongolia.
• In Korea, this plant is used as a tisane (herbal tea) called dungulle.

Yu Zhu Benefits and Uses:

• Yu zhu is used in Chinese herbal soups to relieve dry throat or dry heaty coughs with scanty sticky phelgm due to yin deficiency in the lung.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine, yu zhu is mildly cooling and nourishes the yin in the lung and stomach.  The herb is also known to moisten dryness in the lungs and strengthen the stomach.
• Yu zhu is commonly used with lady bell root for synergistic effects.

Preparation:

• Rinse yu zhu in cool water, then soak for 10 minutes.
• Despite its thin shape, yu zhu requires rather long cook time (2+ hours).

Where to Buy Yu Zhu:

• Yu zhu can be found in Chinese herbal stores.
• Choose ones that are soft, long, thick, and yellowish white in color.  Good yu zhu should also have a sweet taste.  Avoid ones that have been bleached white.
• Superior quality yu zhu are large, fleshy slices that are semi-transparent.

Side Effects and Precautions:

• As with all herbs, use in moderation.  Overdose may lead to mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• According to traditional Chinese herbology, those with spleen or stomach deficiency, or phlegm-damp should avoid using yu zhu.

Source: http://www.chinesesouppot.com/2-common-ingredients/1735-yu-zhu-polygonatum