Shan Yao
Dioscorea opposita Thunb.
☯ TCM Properties
Benefits Qi and Nourishes Yin; Tonifies the Spleen and nourishes the Stomach; Clears Lung Heat and Generates Fluids; Tonifies the Kidneys and astringes Essence; Secures Essence and Stops Leakage
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (46)
Showing 3 of 46.
Botanical Description
Dioscorea polystachya (frequently treated under its older synonym Dioscorea opposita), commonly known as Chinese yam, cinnamon vine or by its Chinese name Shan Yao, is a perennial climbing vine in the family Dioscoreaceae native to China and the temperate parts of East Asia, and widely naturalised in eastern North America where it can be invasive. The plant arises from a deeply buried, elongate, club-shaped to cylindrical tuber that may reach a metre or more in length and is the part used as both food and medicine. From the tuber emerges a slender, twining, herbaceous stem that climbs by counter-clockwise rotation to 3 to 5 m. The leaves are opposite (or the upper alternate), distinctively heart-shaped with a deeply cordate base and a long acuminate tip, and bear conspicuous parallel-curving veins. Small white flowers with a faint cinnamon scent are borne in slender spikes from the leaf axils, the species being dioecious. Pea-sized aerial tubers (bulbils) are produced in the leaf axils and are a primary means of vegetative spread.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Shan Yao (Chinese yam rhizome) is a neutral, sweet herb that gently tonifies the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney — one of very few herbs to simultaneously supplement three Zang organs. It addresses fatigue, loose stools, and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency; dry cough and shortness of breath from Lung deficiency; and spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and frequent urination from Kidney deficiency. As a food that is also a medicine, it is among the safest and gentlest long-term tonics in Chinese medicine.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.