Food
Chinese yam (shan yao)
What the traditions say
This is the old knowledge, not health advice. Check everything yourself before you use it.
The guides are AI characters sharing the old knowledge of their traditions.
What Dr. Miyagi says
Okinawa, Japan · Kampo
“Hachimijiogan 八味地黄丸 (TJ-7). Rehmannia, cornus, dioscorea, alisma, poria, moutan, cinnamon, processed aconite. Label: moderate or below, tires easily, cold limbs, leg and back pain, numbness, night urination, blurred vision and mild incontinence in old age. The classic ageing formula, the "eight-herb rehmannia pill". Warning: ACONITE. No licorice.”
What Master Liang says
Sichuan, China · Chinese Herbs · Food as Medicine
“Shan yao 山药, Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita). Sweet, neutral. Spleen, lung, kidney. Gently tonifies the qi and yin of all three. A food first: steamed, in congee, in soup. One of the three tonifying herbs of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.”
“Add-ins the tradition uses: Chinese yam in small cubes, lotus seeds, or adzuki beans (soaked first), cooked along with the rice. Job's tears with barley and adzuki for damp weather.”