Botanical Name: Dioscorea opposita Thunb.
Common Name: Chinese yam, Dioscorea
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used : The rhizomes are dug in late Winter.
After the rough bark has
been removed, the rhizomes are cleaned and dried in either the sun or the
shade. Then, they are soaked again and cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral
Meridians: Spleen, lung and kidney
Functions:
1. To strengthen the spleen and stomach;
2. To tonify the lungs
and kidneys
Indications :
1. Weakness of the spleen and stomach manifested as poor appetite, diarrhoea
and lassitude.
2. Excessive dampness due to deficiency of the spleen manifested as whitish
and dilute leukorrhagia and lassitude.
3. Excessive dampness transforming into heat manifested as yellow leukorrhagia.
4. Leukorrhagia due to deficient kidneys manifested as leukorrhagia and
lower back pain.
5. Diabetes manifested as extreme thirst, excessive drinking, excessive food
intake, profuse urination and lassitude.
6. Nocturnal emissions due to deficient kidneys.
7. Frequent urination due to kidney deficiency.
8. Chronic cough due to deficient lungs.
Dosage: 10-30 g; 6-10 g (for powder)
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during food
retention.