Yam RhizomaDioscoreae (English) CommonYam Rhizome is also known as Huaiyam, Huaiyam, and mountain mushroom. The source is Dioscorea opposita Thunb. of rhizomes. The plant form wraps around herbaceous vines. Character: The rhizome is slightly cylindrical, curved and slightly flat, 15-30cm long and 1.5-6cm in diameter. Morphological characteristics: The rhizome is thick, straight, up to 1 meter long. The leaves are alternate, opposite to above the middle, rarely or in whorls of 3, often with bulbils (odd seeds) between the leaf axils, the shape of the leaves is variable, from triangular ovate to triangular wide ovate, often 3-lobed to deeply lobed. The flowers are dioecious, very small, green and white, all spike-shaped, with the male inflorescences upright and the female inflorescences descending. The capsule has 3 wings. Perennial twining herb; with massive or root-like underground stems; leaves alternate, sparsely opposite, simple or palmately compound, whole or divided; flowers dioecious; rarely on the same plant, forming spikes or racemes Or panicle; tepals 6, 2 whorls, connate at the base; 6 stamens, sometimes 3 developed, 3 degenerated; female flowers are similar to male flowers, but the stamens degenerate or absent; ovary inferior, 8-loculed, styles 3, separated; Capsule or berry; seeds winged. Growth Habit: Cold-tolerant, light-loving. It should grow in well-drained, loose and fertile loam. Avoid waterlogging. The underground stems are cylindrical, fleshy, and thick. The stem is cylindrical, with oval bulbils growing between the leaf axils. The leaves are triangular-ovate to triangular-ovate, and the base is halberd-shaped and heart-shaped. The male inflorescence is spike-shaped, not drooping, and the long axis is mostly zigzag. The male flowers are almost sessile, the bracts are triangular-ovate, shorter than the perianth, the perianth is 6, ovate, and the stamens are 6, developed; the female inflorescence and male flowers are The sequence is similar, the ovary stigma is 3-lobed. The capsule has 3 wings. The length of the fruit wings is almost equal to the width. It has a short stalk. There are 2 seeds in each chamber, which are borne in the center. The seeds are oval and surrounded by thin chestnut-colored wings. The wings are about 6 mm wide and unequal in width around them. . The flowering period is from June to August, and the fruiting period is from August to October. Medicinal Use (Note: It is the rhizome of the yam plant of the genus Dioscorea of ??the Dioscoreaceae family.) 1. Deficiency of the heart and abdomen, reversal of the hands and feet, and no desire to eat. Use half-cooked and half-fried yam to make a paste. Take two qian for each dose and the rice soup will be fixed. Take it twice a day. 2. Mouth dysentery is prohibited. The treatment is the same as above. 3. Frequent urination. Divide yam (boiled in alum water) and white poria into powder. Two dollars for each dose, water will be given to you. 4. Phlegm, wind and asthma. Take half a bowl of raw yam (mashed), add half a bowl of sugar cane juice, mix well, and drink it once. 5. Weak spleen and stomach, no desire to eat. Use one or two each of Dioscorea and Atractylodes, seven and a half qian of ginseng, and grind into powder. Add water and paste to make balls, as big as adzuki beans. Take 40 to 50 pills each time and give them rice soup. 6. Damp-heat deficiency. Divide dioscorea and atractylodes into equal parts, add rice to make balls and serve in rice soup. 7. The swelling and poison are beginning to appear. Divide pureed yam, castor beans, and glutinous rice into equal parts, soak in water, grind finely, and apply immediately. 8. Chilblains on hands and feet. Take a piece of yam, grind it into puree and apply it on it. The rhizomes are used as medicine to nourish and strengthen the spleen and stomach, and can also be used as non-staple food and raw materials for wine making. Dioscorea is a plant of the Dioscoreaceae family. It has horizontal rhizomes that resemble ginger and is also called turmeric. The roots are used as medicine. The rhizomes of Dioscorea esculenta are mainly used to extract diosgenin, which is a good raw material for the synthesis of adrenocortical hormone drugs. Currently, 60 to 70 kinds of steroid hormone drugs are produced internationally and domestically using diosgenin as raw material, which are widely used in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, contraceptive drugs, etc. Edit this paragraph nutritional analysis 1. Strengthen the spleen, benefit the stomach, and aid digestion: Yams contain amylase, polyphenol oxidase and other substances, which are beneficial to the digestion and absorption function of the spleen and stomach. It is a medicinal and food product that can only tonify the spleen and stomach. It can be eaten regardless of spleen yang deficiency or stomach yin deficiency. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat diseases such as spleen and stomach weakness, lack of food, fatigue, diarrhea and other diseases; 2. Nourishing the kidney and replenishing essence: Yams contain a variety of nutrients, which can strengthen the body, nourish the kidney and replenish essence. It can be taken by anyone suffering from kidney deficiency and spermatorrhea, excessive leucorrhea, and frequent urination in women; 3. Benefits the lungs and relieves cough: Yams contain saponins and mucus, which have lubricating and moisturizing effects, so they can benefit lung qi, nourish lung yin, and treat Lung deficiency, phlegm, cough and long-term cough; 4. Reduce blood sugar: Yams contain mucus protein, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar. It can be used to treat diabetes and is a good dietary therapy for diabetics; 5. Prolong life: Yams contain a large amount of mucus proteins, vitamins and Trace elements can effectively prevent the precipitation of blood lipids on blood vessel walls, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and achieve the effects of benefiting the mind, calming the nerves, and prolonging life. 6. Anti-hepatic coma. Recent studies have found that yam has a sedative effect and can be used to fight hepatic coma.

Edit this paragraph: Consumption group: The general population can consume it. 1. Suitable for patients with diabetes, abdominal distension, weakness after illness, chronic nephritis, and long-term diarrhea; 2. Yams have astringent properties, so those with dry stools should not eat them; in addition, those with real evils should not eat yam. Edit this paragraph Food conflict: Do not eat yam and kansui together; do not take them with alkaline drugs. Instructions for editing this paragraph: 1. Immediately after slicing the yam, soak it in salt water to prevent oxidation and blackening. 2. There will be mucus when fresh yam is cut, and it is very easy for the knife to slip and hurt your hands. You can wash it with water and a little vinegar first, which can reduce the mucus. 3. The texture of yam is delicate and the taste is sweet. However, yam skin can easily cause skin allergies, so it is best to peel it. Do not touch the yam after peeling it. Wash your hands several times immediately, otherwise you will scratch them. Where does it itch? 4. The skin of a good yam is undamaged and contains mucus, and the cracks are white, with more mucus and less moisture. The skin can be fried fresh, or dried and fried in soup or porridge. Peel and eat to avoid numbness, thorns and other abnormal taste. 5. Fresh yam is mostly used for fatigue cough and diabetes. It can be fried and eaten to treat deficiency of spleen, stomach and kidney qi. Edit this section on how to eat yam. Here are some common ways to eat it: (1) Local chicken stewed yam (simmering soup) Ingredients: 2000 grams of fresh yam, 1000 grams of fresh chicken nuggets. Accessories: 2 green onions (cut into sections), 3 slices of ginger, a little each of sesame oil, salt and pepper. Method: 1. Cut the yam into sections. 2. Use a pressure cooker to lightly press the chicken until it is cooked, pour in the yam segments, add the accessories and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. (2) Stir-fried yam tablets Ingredients: some fresh yam. Accessories: 2 green onions (cut into sections), 1 garlic sprout (chopped), a little each of ginger slices, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. The method is the same as stir-fried lotus root slices in vinegar. (3) Fried pork slices with yam Ingredients: 200 grams of fresh yam, 300 grams of tenderloin. Accessories: 50 grams of carrots, 50 grams of cucumber, 2 green onions (cut into sections), 3 slices of ginger, a little each of salt, wine and pepper. Medicinal materials: 5 qian of Astragalus, 3 qian of Fangfeng, 2 qian of Atractylodes, 10 jujubes. Method: 1. Cut the carrots and cucumbers into sections with a serrated knife. 2. Boil the medicinal materials and ginger slices in 4 bowls of water to make 1 bowl of concoction and set aside. 3. Cut the tenderloin into thin slices and add all the seasonings and marinate. 4. Stir-fry the scallions in a little oil, then add the meat slices and stir-fry until they change color. 5. Pour in the yam, carrots and cucumbers, drain the concoction, add salt to taste and stir-fry for about 1 minute. (4) Peel and wash the fresh yam, cut it into the size of soybean particles, grind it in a soymilk machine, and eat it immediately. It is called yam syrup (you can add an appropriate amount of white sugar). Edit this paragraph: Dietary effects of yam are sweet and neutral in nature, and enter the lungs , spleen, kidney meridian; not dry or greasy; has the effects of strengthening the spleen and lungs, nourishing the stomach and kidneys, strengthening the kidneys and essence, improving ears and eyesight, supporting the five internal organs, strengthening the muscles and bones, strengthening the mind and calming the mind, and prolonging life; mainly treats weakness of the spleen and stomach, fatigue Weakness, loss of appetite, chronic ejaculation and dysentery, lung qi deficiency and dryness, phlegm, wheezing and coughing, kidney qi deficiency, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, weakness of lower limbs, thirst and frequent urination, nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation, white and turbid vaginal discharge, red and swollen skin, obesity and other symptoms . Edit this paragraph Other relevant "Compendium of Materia Medica" summarizes the five major functions of "tonifying kidney qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach, stopping dysentery, resolving phlegm and saliva, and moisturizing the skin." Cook yam in porridge or simmer it with rock sugar and then take it. It is good for poor health, enteritis, and kidney deficiency. It is effective for all chronic diseases. 1. Replenish the spleen and stomach: treat weakness of the spleen and stomach, diarrhea, physical fatigue, lack of food, and sweating. 2. Benefit the lungs and nourish the kidneys: This product is neither cold nor dry, sweet and moist, and can treat thirst, spermatorrhea, leucorrhea and other symptoms of lung and kidney deficiency. ★Warning 1. The saponin contained in the yam skin or the plant alkaloids contained in the mucus may cause yam allergy and itching in a small number of people. Direct contact should be avoided when handling yam. 2. It cannot be eaten raw because there are certain toxins in raw yam. The scientific name of taro is Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schoot, also known as green taro, taro and other families. It belongs to the Araceae family, and the genus taro has synonyms of squatting owl ("Historical Records"), taro Kui ("Han Shu"), taro root ("Han Shu" Yan Shi Ancient Notes), Tu Zhi ("Bie Lu"), taro milk ("How to Plant Taro"), taro ("Chinese Medical Dictionary"). Characteristics and characteristics: A perennial tuber plant, often cultivated as an annual crop. The leaves are shield-shaped, with long and fat petioles, green or purple; a shortened stem forms at the base of the plant, which gradually accumulates nutrients and enlarges into a fleshy bulb, called "taro" or "mother taro", which is spherical, oval, oval or massive. wait. There is one brain bud in each node of the mother taro, but the axillary buds in the middle and lower nodes are the most active, and the first tillering occurs, forming a small bulb called "child taro", and then "grand taro" develops from the child taro. Under suitable conditions, great-grandson or great-great-grandson taro can be formed.

It likes high temperature and humidity, is not drought-tolerant, is relatively shade-tolerant, and has the characteristics of an aquatic plant. It can be cultivated in paddy fields or dry land. The root system has weak absorptive capacity and requires sufficient water throughout the growth period; it has wide adaptability to soil, and fertile, deep, clay soil with strong water retention capacity is suitable; seed taro begins to germinate at 13 to 15°C, and the suitable growth temperature is above 20°C, and bulbs It is formed under short-day conditions, and the optimal temperature for development is 27 to 30°C. In case of low temperature and drought, the growth will be poor and the yield will be seriously affected. The main purpose is rich in nutrients, containing a large amount of starch, minerals and vitamins. It is both a vegetable and a grain. It can be cooked, dried or milled. Since the starch particles of taro are small, only one-tenth of potato starch, its digestibility can reach 98.8%. In terms of taro processing, taro powder and taro paste fillings can be made into taro powder and taro paste to extend storage. Taro can also be used as an ornamental plant similar to philodendron and dieffenbachia. There are approximately 100 different varieties of taro; some are oval-shaped like sweet potatoes, while others are mostly round. Taro has less odd shapes than other tuber plants. Taro can grow up to 6 feet tall and has broad leaves; however, the young shoots are edible after being blanched in boiling water. However, the leaves and buds are less useful in Western markets. The tuber part is dark brown, the outer skin is ring-shaped and quite rough, and there are hairs on it. The pulp is white, off-white and purple-grey, and some have pink or brown textures. Consumption suggestions 1. Taro contains indigestible starch and calcium oxalate crystals. However, calcium oxalate has a bitter taste and can cause skin irritation, but it will disappear after cooking. The flesh turns gray or lavender when cooked. Taro is cooked similar to potatoes. After stewing taro, the soup will become thicker, and taro can easily absorb the soup from other ingredients. Potatoes and taro are delicious when fried or fried into thin slices and topped with sauce. They can also be sliced ??and boiled with syrup to make a dessert. Taro leaves can also be cooked, making them look like spinach and used to wrap other foods for baking. However, the calcium oxalate in the leaves is destroyed after cooking. 2. Tips for peeling taro: Put the skinned taro into a small bag (only half of the bag is filled), grab the mouth of the bag with your hands, throw the bag on the cement floor a few times, and then pour the taro out, you can find the taro scalp. All taken off. Taro contains a lot of starch, and eating too much at one time can cause abdominal distension; 3. Raw taro is slightly poisonous and must be cooked thoroughly before eating; raw taro juice can easily cause local skin allergies, which can be solved by wiping it with ginger juice. How to purchase: Choose taro that is firmer and has no spots. Freshness can be checked by cutting the pulp, but the best way to judge the quality of the pulp is to cut the taro in half. Market identification of betel nut taro: If the taro is cut open and its cross section has a large number of brown spots, commonly known as "betel nut pattern", then it is betel nut taro, which is not found in other taro varieties. The closer the areca taro is to the root, the better the quality. When taro is planted in the ground, the lower half of the bulb is buried in the soil and the upper half is exposed to the air, with a slightly different skin. Therefore, when purchasing, choose as many parts as possible buried in the soil based on the skin. Treatment method: After peeling the taro, if it is not going to be used immediately, it must be soaked in water. The best way to peel is in running water or with gloves on, as taro's slime can cause skin irritation. Cooking methods: Taro can be boiled (about 20 minutes), steamed or microwaved, or roasted (about 25 minutes), but the pulp will become drier and have a stronger flavor. If you apply cream or sauce, etc., the taro will not be so dry. Betel nut and taro are steamed and mashed; mixed with enough cooking oil, sugar, fried sesame and soy flour, etc. Steam for another 10 minutes, and you will have a sweet and delicious Fujian dish "taro paste". No matter where you live, no matter what your tastes are, there is no one who doesn’t like the dish of mashed taro. Storage method: Place taro in a dry, cool place with good ventilation. Eat it as quickly as possible after purchasing it because taro tends to become soft. Taro is not resistant to low temperatures, so fresh taro must not be placed in the refrigerator. When the temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius, it should be stored in a warmer indoor place to prevent rot due to frostbite. Medicinal uses of taro Traditional Chinese medicine believes that taro has the effects of appetizing, promoting body fluids, reducing inflammation and analgesia, tonifying qi and nourishing the kidneys, etc. It can treat stomachache, dysentery, chronic nephritis, etc. According to nutritional analysis, taro contains sugar, dietary fiber, vitamin B complex, potassium, calcium, zinc, etc., of which dietary fiber and potassium are the most abundant.

Edit this paragraph nutritional analysis 1. Taro is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, carotene, niacin, vitamin C, B vitamins, saponins and other ingredients. Among the substances, the content of fluorine is relatively high, which has the effect of cleaning teeth, preventing caries, and protecting teeth; 2. Its rich nutritional value can enhance the body's immune function and can be used as a commonly used medicated dietary staple to prevent and treat cancer. It has an auxiliary therapeutic effect during cancer surgery or postoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and recovery; 3. Taro contains a mucus protein that can produce immunoglobulins, or antibody globulin, after being absorbed by the body, which can improve the body's immune function. resistance. Therefore, Chinese medicine believes that taro can detoxify, inhibit and digest carbuncle pain, including cancer toxins, and can be used to prevent and treat tumors, lymphatic tuberculosis and other diseases; 4. Taro is an alkaline food that can neutralize acidic substances accumulated in the body and regulate The acid-base balance of the human body produces beautification and black hair, and can also be used to prevent and treat hyperacidity; 5. Taro is rich in mucus saponins and a variety of trace elements, which can help the body correct physiological abnormalities caused by trace element deficiencies. , and at the same time it can increase appetite and help digestion, so Chinese medicine believes that taro can nourish the body and replenish qi. Edit this paragraph. Suitable for the general population. It can be consumed by the general population. 1. Especially suitable for people with weak health. 2. For those with phlegm, allergic constitution (urticaria, eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis), children with food stagnation and poor appetite. , and patients with diabetes should eat less; at the same time, those with stagnant food, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal dampness and heat should not eat. Edit this paragraph: Foods that are incompatible with each other. Taro should not be eaten with bananas. Edit this paragraph cooking instructions 1. Taro can be steamed and dipped in sugar as a staple food, and can also be used to make dishes and snacks, so it is a favorite root food; 2. Taro must be cooked well, otherwise the mucus in it will Irritating the throat; 3. The mucus of taro contains a complex compound that can be decomposed when exposed to heat. This substance has a therapeutic effect on the body, but is highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, when peeling and washing taro, the skin of the hands will The itching can be relieved by roasting it on the fire, so it is best to wear gloves when peeling and washing taro. Edit this paragraph: Therapeutic effects of taro: taro is sweet and pungent, neutral in nature, slightly toxic, and returns to the intestines and stomach meridian; it has the functions of benefiting the stomach, widening the intestines, laxative, detoxifying, tonifying the liver and kidneys, reducing swelling and relieving pain, benefiting the stomach and spleen, and dispersing It has the functions of binding, regulating qi, resolving phlegm, and replenishing marrow; it is mainly used to treat diseases such as lumps, phlegm cores, scrofula, and constipation. Peel and wash the taro and remove the water. Heat the wok, add half a pound of oil and heat it up. Put the taro paste into the pan and fry until golden brown. Remove and remove the oil. Pour out the oil in the pan, leaving a little base oil, and add sugar. , simmer slowly for about a minute or two, until the sugar melts into golden brown. Use a shovel to scoop up the sugar and slowly pour it down until it feels sticky. Pour the fried taro into the pot and stir. After the taro is coated with sugar, it becomes Put the pot into an oiled plate, and that's it. You can also put a little water in the wok, add sugar, and simmer slowly for about a minute or two. The sugar will melt into golden brown. Use a shovel to scoop up the sugar and slowly pour it down. When it becomes sticky, pour the fried taro into the pot and stir. After the taro is coated with sugar, remove from the pot and put it on a plate coated with oil.