Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya or Dioscorea batatas) is an ornamental vine that is native to Asia. It also grows in North America, but it isn’t related to the sweet potatoes called yams that are popular there. Other names for Chinese yam are cinnamon vine, and shan yao.

Chinese yam is used in Chinese herbal medicine, traditionally to treat disorders related to the stomach, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. 

As an herbal treatment, Chinese yam is mainly used to target the stomach and spleen but is also thought to help the lungs and kidneys. It can help treat:

• poor appetite
• chronic diarrhea
• asthma
• dry coughs
• frequent urination
• diabetes

Chinese yam contains allantoin, a natural compound that can accelerate the growth of healthy tissue and reduce healing time.

People with conditions related to the stomach, spleen, kidneys, lungs, or skin may benefit from Chinese yam. In addition to these uses, promoters of the herb claim it can be used as a remedy for many conditions, including:

• hot flashes associated with menopause
• postmenopausal vaginal dryness
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• gallbladder problems
• rheumatoid arthritis
• menstrual disorders
• osteoporosis
• fatigue
• digestion disorders
• dry or chronic cough
• asthma

A study on gastrointestinal function shows that Chinese yam extract not only aids in digestion but can help turn some intestinal flora in the stomach into helpful bacteria. Chinese yam also has antioxidant properties. The study concludes that Chinese yam contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and selenium and that taking it as a daily supplement is beneficial as an antioxidant.