How to Pair Yam for Spleen, Stomach, Qi, and Kidney Health
How to Pair Yam for Spleen, Stomach, Qi, and Kidney Health
The kidneys are the foundation of overall health in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it is often said that “winter is for nourishing the kidneys.” But how exactly do we nourish them? Here, we recommend a simple and affordable kidney-nourishing food: yam.
Yam—An Affordable and Effective Kidney Tonic
Yam (Shan Yao) has a sweet, warm flavor and works on the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. It helps tonify the spleen, nourish the lungs, benefit qi, and strengthen the kidneys. It is known to improve digestive function, enhance vitality, and promote muscle growth. Long-term consumption can sharpen the mind, lighten the body, reduce hunger, and extend life.
In the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), yam is considered a superior herb, generally regarded as a tonic with clear and mild therapeutic effects, making it suitable for year-round consumption.
Yam nourishes yin and clears dampness. It has a unique property of being moist yet non-greasy, nourishing yet not heavy. It tonifies the spleen to resolve dampness and supports the kidneys to preserve qi.
Common Clinical Uses in TCM
Yam is often used in TCM for conditions related to spleen and kidney deficiency, such as:
Spleen and stomach weakness
Yin deficiency with internal heat, thirst, frequent urination, and diabetes-like symptoms
What Are the Benefits of Eating Yam Regularly?
Improves Digestion
Yam contains amylase and polyphenol oxidase, substances that help promote digestion and improve gastrointestinal function. It also boosts metabolism, easing the digestive burden on the stomach.Helps Control Weight
With its high dietary fiber content, yam aids bowel movement and reduces fat absorption in the body. Additionally, yam helps suppress appetite, making it a helpful food for weight management.Protects Blood Vessels
Yam is rich in mucoproteins, which can prevent fat from accumulating in blood vessels, maintaining their elasticity and helping to prevent atherosclerosis.Soothes the Lungs and Stops Coughing
Yam nourishes lung qi and yin, helping treat symptoms such as lung deficiency, phlegm cough, and chronic coughs. In the dry and cold winter months, when throat irritation is common, yam's saponins and mucilage have lubricating and soothing effects.Boosts Immunity
The polysaccharides in yam activate phagocytic cells and enhance the immune system. Yam also has antioxidant properties, which can help delay the aging process.
How to Eat Yam for Maximum Nutritional Benefits
Yam with Red Dates
Pairing yam with red dates strengthens the spleen and stomach. There are many ways to prepare them together—steamed, boiled, or even in sweet or savory dishes. You can add extra yam and red dates when making soup for a nourishing effect.
Yam with Pumpkin
Yam's soluble fiber helps delay gastric emptying and controls post-meal blood sugar spikes, while pumpkin contains trace elements like cobalt, zinc, and copper, which support normal insulin secretion and help manage diabetes and high blood pressure. Combined, they not only lower blood sugar but also promote digestion and nourish the spleen and stomach.
Yam with Goji Berries
Cooking yam with goji berries in a porridge can enhance its tonic effect. This combination is perfect for those with weak spleens and stomachs. The porridge aids digestion, stimulates appetite, and supports overall health.
Yam with Job's Tears (Coix Seed)
Job’s tears strengthen the body, nourish the kidneys, and stop diarrhea. When paired with yam, this combination creates an excellent tonic for kidney health and body strength while improving digestion and overall well-being.
Cooking Yam for Optimal Nutrition
Among all yam preparations, stir-frying is one of the best methods for retaining its nutrients, especially vitamin C, which is preserved with shorter cooking times.
For those recovering from a major illness with low appetite, you can peel and cut yam into sections, steam it, and dip it in sugar. Women who enjoy sweets or are in need of blood tonification can blanch yam in water and drizzle it with honey for a nourishing treat.
Yam can also be used in porridge for elderly people, children, or those with weak digestive systems. Adding yam pieces and red dates to the porridge will make it delicious and easy to digest. Variations like Job’s Tears and Yam Porridge, Walnut and Yam Porridge, Goji and Yam Porridge, Longan and Yam Porridge, or Pumpkin and Yam Porridge are also great options.
Tip: What to Do if Your Hands Itch While Peeling Yam?
Yam contains mucilage that can cause an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with the skin, leading to itching. To remove the sticky sap, wash the yam thoroughly with water, then boil it in hot water for 4–5 minutes. Once cooled, peel the skin.
If you accidentally get the sap on your skin, rinse it off with water and rub some vinegar on your hands. The itching sensation will gradually fade.