Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)

Chinese Bulk Herbs – Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)

Presently Shan Yao is used in anti-aging formulas but it also promotes urination, lowers blood sugar, and blood pressure. It can help with digestive problems and may work as an antibiotic. Chinese Yam is often used in combination with Schisandra fruit, dogwood fruit, flatstem, dodder seed, and other herbs for tonifying the kidneys.

Clinical Use (Chinese):
Tonifies the Qi and nourishes Yin, tonifies the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney. Strengthen the kidney yin and yang. Sweet, neutral, moist, not dry and not greasy for invigorating Qi and nourishing Yin, it is good for invigorating Qi and Yin of the lung, spleen and kidney channels. Can be used for deficiency of the spleen and stomach, anorexia, and loose stool.

Shan Yao is used in anti-aging formula’s ju hua, niu xi, shu di huang

Latin Name:
Dioscorea opposita
Dioscorea polystachya

Chinese Name:
Shan Yao

Common Names:
Chinese Yam, Chinese potato, cinnamon-vine, nagaimo, white name, Ha, tuge, Korean yam, sanyak, seoyeo, sanu, ma

Parts Used:
Rhizome

Properties:
Sweet in flavor, neutral in property, acts on the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney channels.

Cautions:
Not to be used if you have urination difficulty due to urinary tract infection.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.