1. Description:
Dioscorea septemloba (scientific name: Dioscorea septemloba Thunb., Chinese Pinyin: Bi Xie, Simplified Chinese: 萆解, 萆薢, 粉萆薢, 绵萆薢, 黄姜), is a species of perennial lianas herb in genus Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae family). Found throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, the plant can grow up to 12 meter tall. The dried root of Dioscorea septemloba is used as dampness-dispelling drug, depurative, carminative and anti-paralysis drug in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as kidney deficiency and arthritis.
In CTM, Dioscorea septemloba is interchangeable with another species in the genus, Dioscorea hypoglauca Palibin (Chinese: 粉背薯蓣).
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The dried root of Dioscorea septemloba is considered to have bitter and neutral properties and to be associated with the kidney and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Dioscorea Septemloba & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Gonorrhea
A decoction of Dioscorea septemloba root, the root of three-nerved spicebush, bitter cardamon and Acorus tatarinowii root is taken orally to treat gonorrhea.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
A decoction of Dioscorea septemloba root, Aconitum carmichaelii root and the root of bidentate achyranthes can be taken orally to activate blood circulation and treat rheumatoid arthritis.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.