Herbal Information on Chinese Yam Root in Extract Powder Form
Shan Yao, commonly known as Chinese yam or Dioscorea opposita, is a versatile and esteemed tuber in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. Native to China, the root is cylindrical, long, and often covered with a bark-like skin. Its flesh is white, starchy, and mildly sweet, making it not only a culinary delight but also a staple in herbal medicine. The root is typically harvested in late autumn, dried, and used in various forms such as powders, teas, or sliced pieces. In cooking, Shan Yao is prized for its ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients, and it’s used in soups, stir-fries, and even traditional desserts for its health-promoting benefits.
Medicinally, Shan Yao is lauded for its array of health benefits, particularly in fortifying the spleen, stomach, and lungs according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. It is believed to help in treating fatigue, diarrhea, and diabetes, and to aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Its content of allantoin, a compound that promotes cell growth and repair, makes it beneficial for skin health and overall vitality. In addition to its health benefits, Shan Yao is also considered a mild tonic that can be taken regularly to improve digestion and enhance energy levels, making it a valued component in the diet of those seeking to maintain balance and wellness.
Herb Specifications
Common Name: Chinese Yam Root
Botanical Name: Dioscorea opposita rhizome
Channels/Meridians: Kidney, Lung, Spleen
Other Names: Chinese wild yam, dioscorea, Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae
Pin Yin Name: Shan Yao
Other Ingredients: Dextrin (non GMO corn)
Package Size: 100 grams (3.5 oz.)
Form: Single Herb Extract Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Should not be taken by itself when there is accumulated dampness in the abdomen. May interfere with other medications.
Naturally Occurring Chemical Components: iosgenin, saponin, choline, starch, glycoprotein, free amino acid, d-abscisin II, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine, mannan and phytic acid, vitamins B1, B2, C, calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, fat
Summary of Shan Yao
- Tonifies qi
- Nourishes yin
- Tonifies Spleen
- Tonifies Lung
- Tonifies Kidney
- Aids In Digestion
Product Properties: Sweet, Neutral
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
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About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Manufacture's Statement: It is important to note that Plum Flower formula extract powders do not contain any excipients. They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
Chinese Materia Medica
Jade Remedies by Peter Holmes.
alternativehealing.org
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4331973/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16756078/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3866735/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632431/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24689699/
