Description
The Gentle and Powerful Tonic for the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys
Dehydrated Chinese Yam, known as Shan Yao (山药) in Chinese, is a foundational herb and food in TCM. It is revered for its unparalleled ability to tonify the Three Fundamental Substances—Qi, Yin, and Jing (Essence)—without being cloying or stagnating. It is one of the safest and most widely used tonics.
Neutral in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the spleen, lungs & kidney meridians.
Its neutral nature and sweet flavour allow it to tonify the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney systems without creating heat or stagnation. It is the go-to herb for building foundational health, improving digestion, boosting energy, and addressing chronic weakness from the body.
Dehydrated Chinese Yam’s actions are comprehensive, making it a key herb for building foundational health.
Health Benefits
Strengthens the spleen and stomach, improves digestive system and appetite, nourishes the lungs and Yin, promotes the production of body fluid, strengthens the kidney and replenishes the body essence.
Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach :
· This is its primary and most celebrated function. It strengthens the Spleen’s ability to transform food and fluids into Qi and Blood.
· It is essential for treating fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and chronic diarrhoea due to Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Tonifies the Lung Qi and Nourishes Lung Yin :
· It benefits the respiratory system, making it useful for chronic cough, shortness of breath, and asthma that are due to deficiency, not an external pathogen.
· Its moistening nature helps with a dry cough and thirst.
Stabilizes and Tonifies the Kidneys :
· It helps secure the Kidney’s “grasping” function, making it invaluable for conditions of “leakage” such as :
· Frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and enuresis.
· Seminal emissions and premature ejaculation.
· Leukorrhea (chronic vaginal discharge).
Generates Body Fluids and Nourishes Yin :
· Its sweet and moistening nature helps replenish fluids, making it useful for symptoms of dryness like thirst and dry mouth, especially in cases of Diabetes where it is frequently used.
Dehydrated Chinese Yam is a gentle tonic suitable for a wide range of chronic deficiency patterns :
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Chronic Digestive Weakness : IBS with diarrhoea, poor nutrient absorption, and bloating.
· Fatigue and Weakness (Qi Deficiency) : From overwork, chronic illness, or simply a weak constitution.
· Respiratory Weakness : Chronic cough, weak immunity, and susceptibility to colds.
· Reproductive and Urinary Issues : Spermatorrhea, frequent urination, and leukorrhea.
· Diabetes Management : Used as an adjunct therapy to help with thirst and blood sugar regulation.
Characteristics
· Dry-Dehydrated vs. Raw : Dried / Dehydrated Chinese Yam is often dry/dehydrated to enhance its Spleen-tonifying and diarrhoea-stopping properties. The Raw herb is considered better for generating fluids and nourishing Yin.
· A Superior Tonic : It is considered a “superior herb” because it tonify without causing side effects and is safe for long-term use.
· Jing (Essence) Tonic : Its affinity for the Kidney gives it a role in preserving the body’s foundational essence, which is associated with longevity, growth, and development.
Precautions
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
Dehydrated Chinese Yam is a quintessential “food as medicine” herb and is incredibly versatile.
· Tea / Decoction : 15-30 grams are boiled in herbal formulas. It has a very mild, slightly sweet, and starchy flavour.
· Powder : Added to drinks, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, congee (rice porridge) and stews for a tonic effect.
