6 Chinese Yam (Nagaimo) Benefits + Nutrition & Side Effects

A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, this long tuber is used to increase female fertility and manage diabetes. Is it right for you? Read on to learn more about the benefits of Chinese yam. Chinese yam is a climbing vine native to China that is currently widespread throughout East Asia. Although this herb has medical advantages, it also carries major drawbacks for the environment; it can quickly invade habitats and may reduce plant diversity. It was brought to the United States in the 1800s and has spread across the country since [ R ]. Chinese yam root ( which may also be called a tuber or rhizome ) was traditionally combined with other herbs to manage diabetes , improve women’s reproductive health , and support digestive health [ R , R , R ]. People in China eat the roots as a mild tonic food, along with other yams. Japanese people call it “ nagaimo ,” which translates to “long yam” [ R , R ]. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners claim that Chinese yam can restore the vital energy, called qi. According to them, Chinese yam increases yin, which is often linked to feminine qualities. It is considered to stimulate the spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The official scientific name of Chinese yam is Dioscorea polystachya . However, some sources report it as D. opposita or even D. villosa , the latter of which is a different species called wild yam. Unlike Chinese yam, wild yam and Mexican yam are commonly used to make bioidentical hormones ( estrogen and progesterone ) used in menopausal therapy [ R , R , R , R ]. PROS Rich in essential nutrients Supports women’s health and fertility Improves digestive health Reduces blood sugar May improve cognition, immunity, and skin health Easy to […]

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