Chinese Yam / Huai Shan

【Benefits】

In traditional Chinese medicine, Huai Shan (Chinese yam, Dioscorea opposita) is valued for its effects of tonifying the spleen and stomach, promoting fluid production and nourishing the lung, and tonifying the kidney and securing essence. It effectively alleviates symptoms like poor appetite, loose stools due to spleen deficiency, dry cough due to lung deficiency, and nocturnal emission or excessive leucorrhea due to kidney deficiency. From a modern nutritional perspective, Huai Shan is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes intestinal peristalsis and prevents constipation. It also contains bioactive components like polysaccharides, which can enhance immune function and have antioxidant effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body.

【Nicknames】

Huai Yam, Yam, Shanyu, Chinese Yam, Common Yam Rhizome

【Properties and Tastes】

Tastes sweet; neutral in nature; enters the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians

【Nutritional Value】

Huai Shan is a nutrient-dense food. It is rich in starch, serving as a good source of energy. Its protein content is moderate, containing essential amino acids. It is also a good source of vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and B-group vitamins, which play important roles in antioxidant defense, energy metabolism, and nerve function. For minerals, it contains potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. Potassium helps maintain heart function and blood pressure, while magnesium is involved in many enzymatic reactions. Additionally, Huai Shan contains bioactive substances like yam polysaccharides and allantoin, which have immune-regulating and wound-healing effects.

【Storage Methods】

• For fresh Huai Shan: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. It can also be stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer (4-8℃) wrapped in paper towels to absorb moisture, preserving it for 1-2 weeks.
• For dried Huai Shan: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture absorption and oxidation, which can maintain its quality for 6-12 months.
• Regularly check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, softening (for fresh), or discoloration (for dried). Discard any spoiled Huai Shan immediately.