Dioscorea polystachya, Shan Yao 山药 Chinese YamShan Yao (TCM) D. alataDescourtilz, Flore médicale des Antilles, 1829 Dioscorea polystachya(Photo by James H. Miller) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Dioscorea spp. D. polystachya is the standard species. D. opposita Also used are D. persimilis, D. alata, D. fordii, D. batatas Parts used: Rhizome Temperature & Taste: Neutral, slightly moist. Sweet (Some said Warm, some said it was Cool) Uses: 1. Tonifies Spleen and Stomach: -low energy, poor appetite, loose stool, spontaneous sweating-tonic for the young and old; eaten as a health food in China-“It tonifies a deficient and debilitated condition”. (Shen Nong Ben Cao)-“replenishes the Spleen and Stomach, stops diarrhea” (Li Shi Zhen) 2. Tonifies Lung Qi and Yin: -chronic cough, wheezing 3. Tonifies Kidneys, Astringes Kidneys: -Diabetes, Wasting and Thirsting Disorder (overlaps Diabetes)-Urinary frequency, nocturnal Urination-Spermatorreha, Leukorrhea-“reinforces physical strength … and enhances male sexuality” (Shen Nong Ben Cao)-“Long-term use brightens the eye and improves hearing”. (Shen Nong Ben Cao)-“enlightens one’s wisdom and enhances one’s memory”. (Zhen Quan) Dose: Decoction: 9–30 grams; when used alone or in extreme weakness and for Wasting and Thirsting (Diabetes-like disorders), up to 60–250 grams are used per day.Powder: 3–10 gramsThe fresh root is often added to Soups in…

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