VARIANT NAMES: Shuyu, Shanyu, Zhushu, Yancao, Wangyu, Shuyao, Shanzhu, Huaishanyao.
ORIGIN: The stem tuber of Dioscorea opposita (Dioscoreaceae).
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Containing saponin, phlegm (which is composed of mannan and phytic acid), choline, starch (16%), glucoprotein, free amino acid, d-abscisin II, polyphenoloxidase, vitamin C, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine.
NATURE, FLAVOR AND CHANNEL TROPISM: Sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, acting on the channels of the lung, spleen and kidney.
EFFICIENCIES AND INDICATIONS: Strengthening the spleen, tonifying the lung, reinforcing the kidney and replenishing the vital essence. It is used to treat diarrhea due to hypofunction of the spleen, protracted dysentery, and cough due to consumption, Diabetes, Nocturnal Emission, Leukorrhagia and frequent urination.
DIRECTIONS: To be stir-fried after being peeled. It can also be decocted or made into gruel after being dried.