Witnessed by: TCM
Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita), of the Dioscoreaceae family. Twining perennial vine with cylindrical fleshy rhizome; native range: northern and central China. Globally recognized as shan yao (山药) in Chinese. The part used is rhizome. Hard white peeled rhizome, faintly sweet and mucilaginous, powdery when dried.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CHINESE YAM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Chinese yam
- Scientific name
- Dioscorea opposita Thunb.
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Spleen · Lung · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Spleen and Stomach qi, nourishes Lung and Kidney yin, secures the essence and stops leakage
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid where there is excess dampness or fullness with stagnation
- Toxicity
- none noted; a food-grade herb
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