Chinese Yam
Dioscorea opposita · shan yao (山药)
Taste & Nature
- Sour
- Bitter
- Sweet
- Pungent
- Salty
- Hot
- Warm
- Neutral
- Cool
- Organ
- Spleen, Lung, Kidney
- Season
- Late Summer
In the Five Flavor system, sweet corresponds to the Earth element. Nourishing, harmonizing, and grounding. Sweet is the most important flavor for daily balance — the foundation of energy and digestion.
Traditional Uses
In traditional Chinese practice:
- Support the Spleen and digestion
- Nourish the Lung
- Ground energy and appetite
These statements describe traditional usage. They have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Cautions
- Educational purposes only.
Elixirs on the Earth Path
View all →Recipes that carry the Earth element — the path Chinese Yam belongs to.
Elderberry & Cinnamon Immune Syrup
A Western-meets-TCM immune tonic: dark elderberries simmered with cinnamon, ginger and clove into a thick, sweet-pungent syrup taken by the spoonful through the cold months.
Astragalus Immunity Soup
A classic autumn soup built around astragalus root, the traditional defender of the wei qi.
Red Date & Longan Tea
A sweet, warming tea that nourishes blood and calms the mind.
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