Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)
山药 · Shānyào
Dioscorea opposita (D. polystachya)
Temperament
Neutral
Geschmack
Sweet
Meridian
Spleen, Lung, Kidney
The iron-stick yam of Henan's Huai region is simultaneously a revered medicine and a beloved food — the epitome of the Chinese principle that food is medicine. Neutral and sweet, it gently tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney without cloying, making it safe for children, elders, and long-term convalescence.
🌿 Wirkung
- •Tonifies spleen qi and yin
- •Nourishes lung yin
- •Tonifies kidney and secures essence
- •Astringes and stops leakage
📖 Anwendung
15–30 g dried (or fresh, steamed) in soups and congee; fresh shan yao slices are delicious simply steamed with honey.
🔬 Moderne Forschung
Yam mucilage polysaccharides and diosgenin precursors are studied for digestive-mucosa support, glycemic modulation, and prebiotic effects.
⚠️ Kontraindikationen
Avoid with damp-heat patterns and abdominal distension. Fresh yam sap can irritate skin of sensitive hands.
