Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)
山药 · Shānyào
Dioscorea opposita (D. polystachya)
性味
Neutral
味
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.
🌿 功效
- •Tonifies spleen qi and yin
- •Nourishes lung yin
- •Tonifies kidney and secures essence
- •Astringes and stops leakage
📖 用法用量
15–30 g dried (or fresh, steamed) in soups and congee; fresh shan yao slices are delicious simply steamed with honey.
🔬 现代研究
Yam mucilage polysaccharides and diosgenin precursors are studied for digestive-mucosa support, glycemic modulation, and prebiotic effects.
⚠️ 禁忌
Avoid with damp-heat patterns and abdominal distension. Fresh yam sap can irritate skin of sensitive hands.
