Chinese yam, Job's tears, and Gordon Euryale are the three treasures for nourishing Qi and blood, and are all revered as superior grades in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic). "It is said that all superior medicines are suitable for long-term use. They aid in nourishing people, much like the five grains, to achieve longevity."
A Comprehensive Guide to Winter Nourishment for Women
. Chinese Yam: Chinese yam is sweet and neutral in nature, supplementing both Qi and Yin. It supplements Qi without causing stagnation or heat, and supplements Yin without promoting dampness or being greasy. It is the most gentle and harmonious product for cultivating the middle Qi (Spleen and Stomach Qi). It has been widely praised by physicians throughout history. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "It benefits the Kidney Qi, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, stops diarrhea, transforms phlegm, and moistens the skin and hair." The "Jingyue Quanshu" (The Complete Works of Jingyue) states: "Chinese yam can strengthen the Spleen, supplement deficiency, nourish essence, and secure the Kidneys. It treats various deficiencies and damages, and the five labors and seven injuries..." The "Yaopin Huayi" (The Interpretation of Medicinal Properties) states: "Chinese yam is warming and tonic but not harsh, slightly fragrant but not drying. It has a gentle effect on regulating the Lungs and is very stable in treating chronic Lung deficiency and cough."
Zhang Xichun, the most famous physician of the late Qing Dynasty, held this medicine in the highest esteem. In his medical monograph "Yixue Zhongcanxilu" (Medical Records of Harmony between Chinese and Western Medicine), he frequently used large doses of raw Chinese yam alone to treat many critical and severe illnesses, such as extreme panting and incessant diarrhea. He said: "The nature of Chinese yam can both nourish Yin and drain dampness, it can be both lubricating and astringent. Therefore, it can supplement the Lungs, Kidneys, and also the Spleen and Stomach... Among tonic medicines, it is truly the supreme product. Its nature is very gentle, and it is suitable for frequent and long-term use." There are many varieties of Chinese yam, with the best quality coming from Huaiqing Prefecture in Henan. Therefore, Chinese yam is commonly also called Huai Shan (or Huai Shan). Medicinally, it is usually used in dried slices. Pharmacies offer both stir-fried and raw Chinese yam. It is recommended to use the dried raw Chinese yam.
2. Job's Tears: If you feel that your body has dampness, such as issues related to fluid retention, edema, eczema, abscesses, and other problems associated with turbid water in the body, Job's tears are your best helper.
The main function of Job's tears is to strengthen the Spleen to eliminate dampness. Strengthening the Spleen can supplement the Lungs, and eliminating dampness can transform phlegm. Therefore, this product can also be used to treat conditions such as Lung heat, lung abscess, and lung flaccidity. When used with Chinese yam, their effects are mutually complementary, compensating for each other's deficiencies. "Chinese yam and Job's tears are both medicines that clear and supplement the Spleen and Lungs. However, using Chinese yam alone for a long time can become overly sticky, and using Job's tears alone for a long time can become overly bland. Only by using them in equal parts can they be taken for a long time without drawbacks." Modern physicians have reported that using 50 grams of each herb daily to make a congee has a significant therapeutic effect on cirrhosis with ascites. Why wait until the illness is so severe before drinking congee? Isn't it wiser to grind the two into powder and make congee for regular consumption? Besides, this congee is delicious and you won't get tired of it. Some might say the congee has a medicinal taste and is sour and bitter to drink; perhaps you have chosen poor quality ingredients. Due to different varieties, some Chinese yam may have a slight sour taste, but it does not affect the deliciousness of the congee at all.
3. Gordon Euryale: It seems that Chinese yam and Job's tears have taken all the praise, but this is not the case. Gordon Euryale has its own unique and wonderful properties. If you suffer from "prolapse" and "leaking" syndromes, then Gordon Euryale is a powerful hand that holds you up, preventing your Qi and blood from being lost in vain.
Chinese yam, Job's tears, and Gordon Euryale are like brothers of the same nature, all with the divine effect of strengthening the Spleen and benefiting the Stomach. However, they each have their own emphasis when used. Chinese yam can supplement the five organs, giving consideration to the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys, and supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin. It also has the effect of astringency. Job's tears strengthen the Spleen and clear the Lungs, promote urination and benefit the Stomach; it supplements within a clearing action and is best at eliminating damp turbidity. Gordon Euryale strengthens the Spleen and Kidneys, stops diarrhea and incontinence, and is most capable of astringing and securing prolapse. Some people grind the three herbs into powder, add red dates to make a congee to treat anemia, and the effect is remarkable.