Korean Yam

산약 (薯蕷) · Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.

Tonic herb Warm Sweet Spleen, Lung, Kidney

NatureWarm

TasteSweet

MeridiansSpleen, Lung, Kidney

Part usedRoot tuber

FamilyDioscoreaceae

CategoryTonic herb

Find by concern: Fatigue Poor appetite Diarrhea

Overview

Korean yam bridges food and medicine as directly as any herb in this tradition, gently tonifying the spleen, lung, and kidney all at once. The Donguibogam even records the origin of its now-common name: an ancient naming taboo during the Song dynasty forced a change from an older name to 'mountain medicine,' the name still used today.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味甘, 無毒. 補虛勞羸瘦, 充五藏, 益氣力, 長肌肉, 强筋骨.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It tonifies taxation-deficiency and emaciation, fills the five viscera, boosts qi and strength, builds flesh, and strengthens the sinews and bones.

Traditional functions

Tonifies the spleen and stomach
Nourishes the lung
Secures kidney essence
Builds strength gently

Traditional applications

General weakness and fatigue
Poor appetite with loose stools
Persistent cough from lung deficiency
Recovery after illness

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–20g, or eaten as food; a core ingredient of Yukmi-jihwang-hwan alongside rehmannia and cornus fruit.

Cautions

Caution: Gentle and generally well-tolerated; traditionally used with some caution in patterns of pronounced damp-stagnation, where its binding, nourishing quality may slow digestion. Consult a professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called 'mountain medicine' rather than its older name?

The Donguibogam explains that an older name shared a character with the personal names of two Song-dynasty emperors; naming taboos of the era required it be changed, and 'mountain medicine' (山藥) has been used ever since.

Is Korean yam the same as the yam eaten as food?

Yes — it is one of the few traditional herbs that is equally at home as a food and a medicine, eaten roasted, steamed, or ground into porridge as well as used in decoctions.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.