Home › Herb Database › Chinese Senega
About Chinese Senega
Plant: Polygala tenuifolia
Used for its positive impact on the nervous system — cognitive deficits, memory loss, and depression. Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), supporting neuronal survival and myelination — part of the neuroborreliosis support set.
Reference dosing
| Tincture dose — 1:5 | 1.5ml, 3 times daily |
| Tincture dose — 1:3 | 0.9ml, 3 times daily |
| Capsule dose (mg) | 300mg of dried herb, 3 times daily Calculated from Buhner's tincture dose (1ml of a 1:5 tincture = 200mg of dried herb). |
Capsule whole-herb extracts vary by manufacturer (a concentrated extract needs less than a plain powder). Treat these figures as a guide only and follow the product label.
These are figures from the sources used on this site. They are not a prescription. Follow the product label and your prescriber.
Safety and cautions
Contraindications: No reliable safety summary was found for Polygala tenuifolia (Chinese senega). Safety information for this herb could not be confirmed from a reliable source, so treat it as unknown rather than safe. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist. Research on polygala saponins reports stomach and gut irritation, so stop if you get stomach pain. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a doctor agrees. Always check with your prescriber or pharmacist, especially if you take blood thinners or other regular medicines.
Herbs can interact with prescription medicines and other supplements. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist first, and do not use herbs in pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless a doctor agrees.
Information last checked: 6 November 2026.
Symptoms linked to this herb
Traditional uses from our symptom map. Not medical advice.
Where to buy
Napiers (UK)Chinese Senega Root Tincture (Polygala tenuifolia) · See product page · Not confirmed — check product pageCheck the label and the seller. A link is not a recommendation.
Add to My ProtocolAll herbsSee what the app does
Educational only, not medical advice. See the disclaimer.