Description:
Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita / Dioscorea polystachya) by Integrity Health Naturals is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried rhizome of Chinese Yam, commonly known as Shan Yao, Chinese Yam, or Dioscorea Rhizome. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shan Yao is traditionally valued for its nourishing, strengthening, and stabilizing properties, particularly its traditional affinity for the Spleen, Stomach, Lung, and Kidney. Health Canada-licensed Shan Yao products identify Dioscorea species as medicinal ingredients and recognize their use within Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Shan Yao is traditionally used to tonify Qi and nourish Yin, particularly to strengthen the Spleen and support digestive function. It is traditionally used for symptoms associated with Spleen Qi deficiency, including poor appetite, loose stools, diarrhea, weakness, and fatigue.
Shan Yao is also traditionally used to nourish the Lung and Kidney and stabilize bodily functions associated with traditional deficiency patterns. In TCM, it may be selected for weakness, excessive urination, or other symptoms associated with Spleen or Kidney deficiency.
Benefits:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)
- Traditionally used to tonify Qi
- Traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen
- Traditionally used to nourish Yin
- Traditionally used to support healthy digestive function
- Traditionally used for poor appetite associated with Spleen Qi deficiency
- Traditionally used for loose stools and diarrhea associated with Spleen deficiency
- Traditionally used to support energy and strength associated with Qi deficiency
- Traditionally used to nourish the Lung
- Traditionally used to nourish the Kidney
- Traditionally used to stabilize and secure bodily functions associated with traditional deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to support healthy fluid metabolism
- Traditionally used for frequent urination associated with traditional Kidney deficiency patterns
Other Names:
Shan Yao, Shan Yao (山药), Shan Yao Gen (山药根), Chinese Yam, Chinese Wild Yam, Chinese Potato, Dioscorea Rhizome, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Dioscorea opposita, Dioscorea opposita Thunb., Dioscorea polystachya, Dioscorea polystachya Turcz., Dioscorea batatas, Wild Yam, and Nagaimo.
Indian names: चाइनीज़ याम (Chinese Yam), शान याओ (Shan Yao), जंगली याम (Wild Yam).
Persian name: سیبزمینی چینی (Chinese Yam), شن یائو (Shan Yao), ریشه یام چینی.
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shan Yao is traditionally used to tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, nourish Yin, nourish the Lung and Kidney, and stabilize bodily functions. It is traditionally selected according to an individual’s TCM pattern and constitution. Traditional applications particularly focus on digestive weakness, poor appetite, loose stools, diarrhea, weakness, and symptoms associated with Spleen and Kidney deficiency. Health Canada’s licensed Shan Yao product information describes its use according to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Side Effects:
Shan Yao is generally used as a food and traditional herbal ingredient, but concentrated preparations may cause unwanted effects in some individuals, including gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, nausea, or other digestive symptoms. Contact with fresh yam sap may also cause skin irritation or itching in sensitive individuals.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unwanted symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner. A Health Canada-licensed Shan Yao product specifically states not to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition. Health Canada’s licensed Shan Yao product information also cautions against using the product by itself when there is an accumulation of Dampness marked by abdominal fullness.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Shan Yao with prescription medications or other natural health products, as potential interactions may occur. Human clinical interaction data for whole-herb Shan Yao preparations remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Dosage may vary depending on whether Shan Yao is used as a whole dried rhizome, powder, granule, extract, or as part of a traditional herbal formula.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Shan Yao, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, the dried rhizome may be prepared as a decoction or used as part of a TCM herbal formula. It may also be powdered or prepared in other traditional forms.
Scientific Support:
Dioscorea opposita / Dioscorea polystachya has a long history of use as both a traditional Chinese medicine and food. The rhizome contains polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, allantoin, amino acids, starches, and other constituents. Modern research has investigated potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, gastrointestinal, and metabolic activities. Current evidence includes laboratory, animal, and pharmacological research, while further human clinical research is needed to establish efficacy for specific medical conditions.
References & Scientific Support:
Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Product Database (LNHPD). Health Canada lists a licensed Shan Yao product prepared according to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and identifies Dioscorea oppositifolia as its medicinal ingredient. View Health Canada reference.
PubMed – Botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacologic activities, clinical application, and quality control of Dioscoreae Rhizoma: A comprehensive review. This review examines Shan Yao’s traditional applications, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, clinical research, and quality control. View research.
PubMed – Dioscorea opposita Thunb.: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. This research reviews the traditional applications and investigated biological activities of Chinese Yam, including its major chemical constituents and potential pharmacological properties. View research.
