The source is from the Rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, family Liliaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Hebei, Jiangsu, etc. The rhizome is dug and collected in autumn. Mter cleaned, it is exposed to the sun until it changes into softness and then rubbed, cooled and exposed to the sun until it has no hard mass, and meanwhile dried in the sun as well; or after steamed thoroughly, it is rubbed till it becomes translucent and then dried in the sun, cut into thick slices or segments for being used crudely or roasted for medication.

Medicinal Properties: Sweet in flavor, slightly cold and attributive to the lung and stomach meridians.

Actions: Nourish yin and moisten the dryness, regenerate the body fluids to relieve thirst.

Application
1. For dry cough with less sputum due to yin-deficiency and lung-dryness, it is usually combined with Shashen ( Radix Adenophorae ), Maimendong ( Radix Ophiopogonis), and Sangye (Folium Mori), etc., such as Shashen Maidong Tang (Decoction).
2. For febrile disease with consumption of the body fluids manifested as fever accompanied with restlessness, it is usually combined with Shengdihuang ( Radix Rehmanniae ), Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis ) and others, such as Yiwei Tang (Decoction) ; for diabetes due to internal heat, combined with Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae), Tianhuafen (Radix Trichosanthis) and others.

In addition, it is tonic but not greasy, nourishes yin but does not make pathogenic factors linger; therefore, it can be used for exogenous wind and cold due to yin-deficiency, Jiajian Weirui Tang (Decoction) that is composed of Yuzhu (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati ) in combination with Bohe ( Herba Menthae ), Congbai ( Bulbus Allii Fistulosi), Dandouchi ( Semen Sojae Praeparata) and others.

Usage and Dosage: 6 -12 g is used in decoction for oral use.