Dioscorea, whose literal name in Chinese is "Mountain Medicine," is
one of the more widely used tonic herbs. Because the herb has a
neutral "atmospheric energy," and therefore is neither hot nor cold,
it benefits both the Yin and the Yang of the Lungs, Kidneys and
Spleen. It builds Spleen Qi, which results in strong digestion and
metabolism. Dioscorea is very effective at treating many types of
diarrhea.
Dioscorea helps strengthen the ability to build Qi in the Lungs and
generally improve Lung functioning, which in turn strengthens the
whole body. It is commonly used in formulations designed to relieve
coughing due to weak Lung condition.
Dioscorea is a valuable herb In the process of rebuilding and
maintaining healthy Kidney functions. It has both Yin Jing building
power and an astringent action which helps consolidate the Kidney
energy, preventing "leaking" of fluids. It is widely recommended for
the "leakage" problems which occur as a result of a deficiency of
the Kidney, such as spermatorrhea, leukorrhea and frequent
urination. It is also often used by people suffering night sweats as
a result of general weakness or chronic consumptive illness.
Dioscorea will help strengthen the back and knees, like all herbs
that build the Kidney. Diabetes is a disorder for which Dioscorea is
very highly recommended in Asia.
Used with Codonopsis (or American Ginseng), Ophiopogon,
Schizandra and other herbs that benefit the Lungs, Dioscorea helps
strengthen the ability to build Qi in the Lungs and generally
improve Lung functioning, which in turn strengthens the whole body.
It is commonly used in formulations designed to relieve coughing due
to weak Lung condition.
Dioscorea is a valuable herb In the process of rebuilding and
maintaining healthy Kidney functions. It has both Yin Jing building
power and an astringent action which helps consolidate the Kidney
energy, preventing "leaking" of fluids. It is widely recommended for
the "leakage" problems which occur as a result of a deficiency of
the Kidney, such as spermatorrhea, leucorrhagia and frequent
urination. It is also often used by people suffering night sweats as
a result of general weakness or chronic consumptive illness. In each
of the above mentioned cases, Dioscorea will be combined with
different herbs. Dioscorea will help strengthen the back and knees,
like all herbs that build the Kidney.
Diabetes is a disorder for which Dioscorea is very highly
recommended in Asia. The vast majority of Chinese people with
diabetes drink a tea of Dioscorea, or a blend of Dioscorea with
other herbs, throughout the day to help with the symptoms of
dysphoria and thirst.
Dioscorea is a powerful herb for treating dehydration be it due to
an illness, excessive sweating from to physical activity, due to the
weather, or whatever. Dioscorea is a superb herb for helping
replenish body fluids when taken as a tea or with sufficient water.
Dioscorea is a safe and mild herb that can be used as a nutrient
tonic on a regular basis. Being a type of yam, it is often included
in food products, and cooked in routine Chinese cooking as a health
food. The slices of Dioscorea are quite edible. Dioscorea can easily
be crushed or ground into a powder which makes an excellent
ingredient in almost any cooking where flour, grain or starch might
otherwise be used.
Primary Combinations
Dioscorea may be used alone or combine with:
1. Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice and Jujube Date to
strengthen the Spleen and Lungs and to build qi
2. Lycium and Schizandra to tonify the Kidneys and
3. American Ginseng or Panax Ginseng Root to moderate blood sugar
levels
4. Poria to improve the urinary function of the Kidney
5. Dang Gui and White Peony Root to regulate female hormonal
functions
References: .1) Radiant Health, Ron Teeguarden,
Warner Books (1998), 186-187
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