Chinese Yam vs Phaseolus lunatus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Chinese Yam

Dioscorea opposita

Nutritive

Nutritive

Description

Mild, sweet TCM herb that tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney. One of the safest tonic herbs, suitable for long-term use by all ages.

American legume crop; seeds used in Latin American folk medicine for diabetes; high cyanogenic content when raw.

Active Compounds

diosgenin, allantoin, polysaccharides, mucilage, amino acids

linamarin (cyanogenic), protein, fiber, iron, potassium

Traditional Uses

Tonifying spleen qi, Nourishing lung yin, Stabilizing kidney essence

diabetes, food source, constipation

Modern Uses

Blood sugar regulation, Digestive support, Kidney health

nutritive food, anti-diabetic, digestive support

Adult Dosage

15-30g dried or 60-250g fresh daily

As food (fully cooked)

Contraindications

Dampness and fullness conditions

raw consumption (cyanide risk), legume allergy, kidney disease

Side Effects

Bloating in rare cases

cyanide toxicity if raw, bloating

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E