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Shan Yao (山藥), the rhizome of Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam), gently tonifies the qi and yin of the Spleen, Lung and Kidney. It is nourishing yet not cloying and is a common food-herb.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Dioscorea opposita (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)
Common English Name
Chinese yam
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Spleen, Lung, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach
- Tonifies the Lung and Kidney
- Benefits the yin and stabilises the essence (consolidates)
Indications
Spleen deficiency with diarrhoea and poor appetite; chronic cough from Lung deficiency; and Kidney deficiency with seminal emission, frequent urination or vaginal discharge; also wasting and thirsting disorder.
Dosage
9-30 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
A key ingredient of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan; with Bai Zhu for Spleen-deficient diarrhoea.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution where there is excess or marked dampness.
