Dioscorea Opposita
From Wikiwel
Other Names : Huai Shan Yao, Shan Yao, Nagaimo, Chinese yam, Korean yam, Dioscorea polystachya, Dioscorea oppositifolia.
Special Precautions of Dioscorea Opposita
Chinese yam dishes are very popular thanks to their great taste, mild tonic properties, and high nutritional value. However, please pay attention to the following cases when you are eating it.
- It contains estrogen and over consumption may over-stimulate the hormone and cause endometrial hyperplasia, menstrual disorder, prolonged menstrual period, menstrual pain, and so on;
- It shouldn’t be used in excess syndrome. Or it will aggravate the symptoms;
- Its mucilage contains plant alkaloid, which is prone to cause allergy symptoms like itch;
- It may be eaten raw. But it is best not to do so since its mucilage contains saporin and plant alkaloid, which can be eliminated by only high temperature;
- Don’t eat it along with Gan Sui (Euphorbia Kansui) since they have opposite efficacy. Otherwise, they will stimulate the stomach, accelerate gastrointestinal motility, and then lead to diarrhea;
- Don’t consume it together with carp. Or it may cause adverse reactions, such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and others;
- It is not suitable for people with constipation since it is of astringent nature. Or it will only aggravate the symptom of constipation.
Health Benefits and uses of Dioscorea Opposita are
- Strengthening the spleen and stomach to aid digestion. Fresh yam contains amylase, polyphenol oxidase, and other matters, which make it a perfect medicine and food to help digestion and absorption. It helps regardless of it is spleen-yang or stomach-yin deficiency. Therefore, clinically it treats deficient spleen-stomach, loss of appetite, body fatigue, diarrhea and other diseases;
- Nourishing kidney and enriching essence. It contains a variety of nutrients, which can make body stronger, nourish kidney, increase sperm count, and improve sperm quality. So, it is widely used for impotence, nocturnal emission, abnormal vaginal discharge, frequent urination, and more;
- Benefiting lung to stop cough. It contains saponins and mucilage, which have a lubricating and moisturizing effect. Hence, it benefits lung qi, enriches lung yin, and treat chronic cough due to lung deficiency and phlegm;
- Lowering blood sugar. Fresh yam contains mucus protein that can lower blood sugar. Therefore, it can be used in the treatment of diabetes or a good diabetic diet;
- Promoting longevity. Raw yam contains a lot of mucus protein , vitamins and trace elements, which can effectively stop the precipitation of lipids in the blood vessel wall and thereby prevent cardiovascular. In other words, it tranquilizes the mind, promotes intelligence, and prolongs life;
- Preventing hepatic coma. Recent studies have found that it is with sedative effect and can be used to prevent hepatic coma;
- Soothing mood and regulating sleep. Unlike ginseng, the medicinal properties of Chinese yams are quite mild and slow. And it can soothe mood and adjust sleep while regulating the function of spleen.
- Tonifying deficiency. Zhang Zhongjing, one of the best Chinese physicians in TCM history, was very good at using this herb. In his medical book Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Coffer), it is used to cure qi-blood deficiency, stomach pain, arthralgia, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation and other symptoms.
