The Chinese herb wild yam, also known as wild yam tuber, is very small in size and can be picked up with two fingers. It is round in shape with a red exterior and has the effects of stopping bleeding and detoxification, making it beneficial for health.
【Benefits and Effects of Wild Yam】
Wild yam can be used as a whole plant in traditional Chinese medicine. Its most important effects are dispelling wind and heat, as well as promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. It is often used in the treatment of conditions such as bronchitis, rheumatism, and edema. It can be taken internally after decoction or applied externally.
Wild yam has excellent hemostatic effects. When someone has a bleeding injury, wild yam can be crushed and applied directly to the wound to effectively stop bleeding.
It can also be used in the treatment of snake bites. The method of use is the same, and it should be changed daily to quickly eliminate toxins in the body.
Wild yam can also be directly consumed as food, providing various vitamins and trace elements to the body, meeting the body's needs for multiple nutrients.
【Methods for Identifying Wild Yam】
Wild yam has a sweet taste. After cleaning, the ends should be removed before consumption.
It is important to note that there are male and female wild yams, and only the males can be eaten as the females lack moisture. In addition, those with worms inside should not be consumed.
The fruits of wild yam can be divided into edible and inedible types. The identification method is simple: break open the purplish-red fruits and if the flesh is juicy, it is edible; if there is no obvious moisture, it is inedible. It is also important to pay attention to the cooking time of wild yam. If it is overcooked, there may be fruit maggots inside. However, this also indicates the deliciousness of wild yam.
【Nutritional Value of Wild Yam】
Wild yam has high nutritional value, with a comprehensive range of nutrients, rich in trace elements, and also contains dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and improve symptoms of indigestion and chronic constipation. It is especially suitable for the elderly, pregnant women, and bedridden patients to consume.
In particular, the amino acid composition of the protein in wild yam is reasonable, indicating its high nutritional value. Three types of anti-fatigue branched-chain amino acids account for 29.08% of the total amino acids, which is beneficial for health.
As a wild plant, wild yam also has great medicinal value. The entire plant can be used as medicine. It can dispel rheumatism, stop excessive vaginal discharge, promote blood circulation, and is particularly effective in treating diarrhea, edema, dysentery, and hemorrhoids.
The branches of wild yam contain milky white sap, which can help heal wounds. When farmers accidentally cut themselves while working, they often use wild yam juice for treatment.
In fact, although some locals may not fully understand the effects of wild yam, their relationship with wild yam is very close.
