medicinal herbs
Polygala japonica
Herb latin name: Polygala japonica
Family: Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family)
Medicinal use of Polygala japonica:
The dried root is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is an expectorant tonic. The plant is antiphlogistic, antitussive, carminative, depurative, expectorant and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, inadequate measles eruption, palpitation and insomnia, traumatic injuries and snakebites.Description of the plant:
Plant:
PerennialHeight:
30 cm(11 3/4 inch)
Habitat of the herb:
Grassy slopes in lowland and hills all over Japan.Edible parts of Polygala japonica:
Young leaves - cooked. Root - cooked. The core is removed and the root is boiled in several changes of water.Propagation of the herb:
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division. Cuttings of young shoots in a frame in late spring.Cultivation of Polygala japonica:
Grassy slopes in lowland and hills all over Japan.Known hazards of Polygala japonica:
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.