Polygonatum Root vs Devil's Club

TCM tonic herb used to nourish yin, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and moisten the lungs and kidneys. One of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese Taoist longevity tradition.

Formidably spiny shrub of Pacific Northwest; one of the most sacred medicinal plants of Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples.

polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, lectins, flavonoids

saponins, polysaccharides, essential oils, alkaloids, phenolics

Nourish yin and moisten dryness, Strengthen spleen qi, Longevity tonic in Taoist tradition, Treat diabetes and weakness

Sacred medicine of Pacific Northwest peoples, Diabetes management in traditional use, Rheumatism and arthritis, Respiratory infections

Adaptogen, Antidiabetic, Immune modulation, Anti-aging

Adaptogen, Blood sugar regulation research, Anti-inflammatory, Immune modulation

9-18g dried root or 500-1000mg extract daily

2–4 mL tincture (1:5) 3x daily; 2–4 g bark as decoction

Phlegm-damp obstruction in TCM, Cold-damp constitution

Pregnancy, Diabetes medications (may enhance effect)

GI upset if not processed, Bloating

Skin irritation from spines, GI upset, Hypoglycemia risk