Wild yam is a medicinal and edible ingredient that can be used in its entirety. It has the effects of dispelling wind, removing heat, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. The young fruits of wild yam are a nutritious health fruit that can be eaten fresh or processed into dried fruits. Now let's learn about the medicinal value and cultivation methods of wild yam.
【Medicinal Value of Wild Yam】
1. Dispelling wind and removing heat
Wild yam can be used in its entirety for dispelling wind and removing heat, as well as promoting blood circulation. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to treat conditions such as bronchitis, rheumatism, and edema. It can be prepared as a decoction for internal use or applied externally.
2. Stopping bleeding and detoxification
Wild yam has good hemostatic effects. When there is uncontrollable bleeding due to accidental injury, it can be crushed and applied externally to stop bleeding effectively.
It can also be used to treat snakebites, using the same method of application. Changing the dressing once a day can quickly eliminate toxins in the body.
【Ornamental Value of Wild Yam】
Wild yam is a perennial vine plant that is evergreen throughout the year. Its stems grow horizontally along the ground, and its leaves are leathery. It can be used for greening in parks or places that are easily trampled by visitors.
Wild yam vines grow in a crisscross pattern, forming a natural "giant fishing net" that firmly holds loose soil and sand. With its dense leaves as a year-round "cover", it resembles a permanent green carpet.
This special function of preventing sand and fixing soil is unmatched by other ground cover plants, making it a valuable plant for landscaping. It can be planted together with economic tree species and has the potential to be developed into a garden green plant.
Wild yam can also be used for hanging bonsai with decorative fruits and leaves, or directly planted in some garden scenic areas. Its stems are lush green and elegant, giving a feeling of thousands of green threads hanging down when fully grown.
Wild yam stems are soft and tough, and the leaves are 2-6 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with a green color that lasts through winter. They are good fodder for herbivores, especially rabbits, geese, and ducks, which consider them a delicious winter food. However, the leaves are leathery and not preferred by chickens.
【Cultivation Methods of Wild Yam】
1. Soil selection
Wild yam is not demanding on soil for propagation. It can be planted in yellow soil, sandy soil, or lime soil. When propagating in autumn, the test site should be located in a flat area and should not be planted on slopes or windy areas.
2. Soil preparation
The soil should be deeply dug, and the soil clods should be crushed and removed, along with the weeds and grass roots. Afterwards, the soil should be disinfected with lime. The bed surface should be kept loose and well-ventilated. It is recommended to work on a cloudy day when preparing the bed.
3. Branch treatment
For vegetative propagation, branches are generally taken from 2-year-old creeping vines. The branches are cut into 15-20 cm propagation bodies, and each propagation body should have 3-8 root tendrils, which helps to improve the survival rate of the branches.
4. Seedbed management
After planting in spring, a 40%-60% light-shading net should be installed to prevent the propagation vines of wild yam from wilting due to excessive sunlight. Pay attention to watering and moisturizing. After planting in autumn, cover the ground with plastic film or straw to prevent freezing and keep warm.
