Chinese yam is not only a delicious vegetable but also a well-known nourishing food. It contains components such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fat, choline, amylase, and also essential inorganic salts and trace elements for the human body, such as iodine, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese yam is considered to have the effects of tonifying the spleen and nourishing the stomach, as well as benefiting the lungs and kidneys. It can be used to treat conditions like chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, chronic enteritis, cough and asthma due to lung deficiency, chronic gastritis, diabetes, spermatorrhea, and enuresis. 1. Nourishing the Spleen and Stomach
As the weather turns colder, people with a weak spleen and stomach often experience symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal bloating, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, loose stools, and limb fatigue. Cook 10 grams of Job's tears (coix seed), 10 grams of Chinese yam (or 50 grams of fresh yam), and 100 grams of rice in an appropriate amount of water to make a porridge; or, cook 500 grams of Chinese yam with one river fish (about 250 grams, cleaned and gutted) in a soup with appropriate seasonings like salt, wine, ginger, and scallions. This is suitable for bloating and diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency. 2. Tonifying and Strengthening the Body
People who are generally weak should take the opportunity to strengthen their health during the cool autumn to prepare for the needs of winter. Chinese yam tonifies without being heat-inducing and is warm without being drying, making it most suitable for the elderly. It is beneficial to eat regularly without harm. Eating about 100 grams of Chinese yam daily for 1-2 consecutive months is recommended. 3. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Dryness
For chronic cough due to long-term illness and deficiency, Chinese yam can be used for conditioning. It is a natural remedy for moistening the lungs and relieving dryness and is a celebrated medicine in clinical practice for treating chronic cough and asthma due to lung deficiency. Consuming about 250 grams daily can achieve gradual results. 4. Astringing Semen and Stopping Urination
Spermatorrhea and frequent urination are both caused by kidney deficiency. While tonifying the spleen, Chinese yam can also tonify the kidneys. Consuming it in advance can prevent these issues from arising and is particularly beneficial for the aforementioned conditions that tend to worsen in winter. The method of consumption is simple; the amount is not fixed, and it should be taken regularly. 5. Moistening the Skin and Removing Dryness
Chinese yam can promote the production of body fluids to relieve dryness and has the function of nourishing the skin and hair, thus it has a beautifying effect. In autumn and winter, the skin is extremely prone to dryness, which can lead to withered hair and a dull complexion. Therefore, eating more Chinese yam can moisturize the skin and hair. You can cook 500 grams of Chinese yam into a porridge and drink it frequently in the morning and evening.