WH Acupuncture & Herbs Centre

This medicinal is the dried root of Discorea opposita Thunb (Fam.Discoreaceae). Traditionally, the one which grows in Huanqing of Henan province is considered as being of the best quality, and is known as Huai  Shanyao. It is excavated after hoar forst descends. After being peeled and dried by sunlight or bakig, it is known as Mao Shanyao, which may become Guang Shanyao after being reprocessed. After being macerated completely, it is sliced and used unprepared or baked with bran.

[ Medicinal Properties ]: Sweet, neutral; relate to spleen, lung and kidney meridians.

[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Nourish the spleen and stomach; promote production of fluid and nourish lung; tonify kidney and secure essence.

[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Spleen deficiency syndrome     Shanyao, which is good at replenishing both qi and yin, usually treats emaciation, lack of strength, loose stool, due to spleen qi deficiency or deficiency of both qi and yin, in combination with Renshen and Fuling, as  in the Shenling Baizhu Powder. It also serves as a recuperative food for patients with chronic disease or weakness and emaciation after chronic disease for long-term administration.

2. Lung deficiency syndrome     For cough and dyspnea, it is used in combination with Taizishen and Nanshashen.

3. Kidney deficiency syndrome     For kidney qi deficiency syndrome manifested as lumbar limpness, nocturia and enuresis, spermatorrhea, prospermia and clear vaginal limpness, nocturia and enuresis, spermatorrhea, prospermia and clear vaginal discharge as well as kidney yin deficiency syndrome manifested as emaciation, spermatorrhea,  it is combined with Shidihuang, Fuling and Fuzi, as in the Shenqi Pills.

4. Xiaoke ( similar to diabetes )with deficiency of both qi and yin        In this case, it is combined with Huangqi, Tianhuafen and Zhimu as in the Yuye Decoction.

Usage and Dosage     15-30g. Baked with bran, it has better effect on tonifying spleen to stop diarrhea.

山药为薯蓣科植物薯蓣Dioscorea opposita Thunb.的根茎。主产于河南省，湖南、江南等地亦产。习惯认为河南（怀庆府）所产者品质最佳，故有“怀山药”之称。霜降后采挖，刮去粗皮，晒干或烘干，为“毛山药”；或再加工为“光山药”。润透，切厚片，生用或麸炒用。